U.S.-based professor Mannixs Paul has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to deploy a comprehensive approach to prevent procurement and contract fraud in Nigeria.

Mr Paul, a professor of organisation and management, said in New York that the approach included implementing robust procurement procedures, providing employee training and establishing internal controls.

According to him, the approach includes conducting due diligence on vendors, offering whistleblower protection, managing contracts effectively using technology, implementing third-party risk management, ensuring legal compliance, and continuously improving processes.

Mr Paul, the chairman and founder of AfroRedFlag White-Collar Protective Shield Limited, said leadership commitment, enforcement, and oversight of conflict-of-interest laws were crucial to counteract nepotism and ensure these processes are effective.

He stated, “It is important to note that procurement and contract fraud are often part of a syndicate and are perpetrated by sophisticated individuals with higher social status. This can make it difficult to combat these crimes, even for agencies with long-term mandates.

“White-collar crimes are not easily remedied, and it can be challenging for an anti-corruption justice system or a society that cannot protect its watchdogs or judges.

“It is concerning to see society gradually descending into a state of gross lawlessness, which requires intentional action from everyone to reverse the trend. Therefore, anti-corruption experts emphasize preventing crime rather than fighting it.”

Mr Paul, however, said the recent video of the EFCC chairman addressing corruption in Nigeria showed that he was passionate about the disheartening misuse of public funds.

(NAN)