Abuja: The Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) has announced a strategic initiative aimed at mitigating corruption within government operations by equipping those who manage public funds with essential forensic skills. This was disclosed by the Provost of ACAN, Prof. Sheriff Ibrahim, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the ongoing workshop titled ‘Achieving Zero Tolerance for Fraud and Corruption in MDAs through Forensic Accounting and Auditing.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, ACAN, which functions as the training and research division of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has specifically targeted accountants, auditors, and custodians of public accounts for this training. Prof. Ibrahim emphasized that these individuals operate at critical points susceptible to corruption, asserting the necessity of educating them on identifying vulnerabilities and resisting temptations.
Prof. Ibrahim elaborated that the workshop aims to educate participants on the legal ramifications of fraudulent activities, stressing that ignorance does not exempt one from the law. He highlighted the importance of understanding the repercussions and liabilities associated with breaches in order to promote a culture of accountability and integrity within public service.
He further noted that while ICPC’s mandate includes arrest and prosecution, ACAN prioritizes prevention through education and public enlightenment. The academy seeks to foster awareness and impart knowledge on the consequences of corrupt practices, aligning with the belief that prevention is preferable to cure.
ACAN conducts monthly training sessions, which have been ongoing since February, targeting a variety of groups including chief executives, heads of administration, bursary staff, and members of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTU). Prof. Ibrahim remarked that each unit has been integrated into the training program to bolster the fight against corruption.