Ernest Oshodin

This study examines the relationship between auditor independence and corporate fraud across 8 Publicly listed companies spanning multiple sectors in Nigeria. The research investigates five key determinants of auditor independence; audit tenure, non-audit services, audit firm rotation, audit firm size, and audit fee dependence, and their impact on fraud detection. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing secondary data from financial statements, audit reports, and corporate filings from 2018 to 2023. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted to assess how each factor influences corporate fraud risk. The findings indicate that prolonged audit tenure can either enhance fraud detection by improving auditors’ understanding of clients or impair independence due to familiarity threats. The provision of non-audit services was found to significantly increase fraud risk, as financial dependence on additional consulting engagements compromises auditors' objectivity. Mandatory audit firm rotation was associated with reduced fraud risks by introducing fresh perspectives and minimizing complacency, although frequent rotations posed transitional challenges. The study also found that audit firm size had an inconclusive effect on fraud detection, with Big Four firms benefiting from greater regulatory scrutiny but still susceptible to financial incentives. Furthermore, audit fee dependence was strongly linked to increased fraud risks, as auditors reliant on a single client’s fees were less likely to issue adverse opinions. The study concludes that strengthening auditor independence through stricter regulatory enforcement, mandatory firm rotation, and limitations on non-audit services is essential for mitigating corporate fraud. The findings provide practical insights for policymakers, auditors, and corporate governance bodies to enhance financial reporting integrity and fraud prevention mechanisms in Nigeria

This study examines the impact of four key taxes Corporate Income Tax (CIT), Value- Added Tax (VAT), Personal Income Tax (PIT), and Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) on
economic growth in Nigeria, using Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the proxy for
economic performance over the period 2010 to 2023. The study employs an ex-post factor research design, utilizing panel data techniques to analyze the relationship between
taxation and GDP. The findings indicate that all four tax components have a significant
positive relationship with GDP, suggesting that effective tax policies and their implementation play a crucial role in driving economic growth. The study reveals that while CIT encourages investment in strategic sectors, VAT contributes to the diversification of revenue streams, PIT supports public service funding, and PPT remains vital due to Nigeria's oil dependency. However, the results also emphasize the need for efficient tax administration, periodic reviews of tax rates, and investments in infrastructure and public services to foster sustainable growth. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening tax collection mechanisms, broadening the tax base, reducing reliance on oil revenues, and improving public awareness of the role of taxation in national development. These measures are critical to enhancing Nigeria's economic resilience and achieving long-term sustainable growth.

Fraud is a reoccurring challenge in financial systems, affecting businesses, government institutions, and the economy at large. Traditional auditing methods dependence on manual procedures has made them inadequate for detecting and preventing fraudulent activities. A technological answer to this problem is the use of automated forensic auditing, which uses machine learning, artificial intelligence, and advanced data analytics to improve fraud detection and control. The study uses a qualitative and quantitative research approach, collecting data from organizations that have adopted forensic auditing technologies. The results will provide useful insights for management, auditors, investors, regulatory bodies, public users, researchers, and policymakers in strengthening fraud control mechanisms in Nigeria. However, the adoption and implementation of automated forensic auditing in Nigeria face several obstacles, including high costs, a shortage of skilled forensic auditors, and inadequate regulatory frameworks