U.S.-based don suggests solution to prevent contract fraud

U.S.-based Nigerian Professor Mannixs Paul has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to deploy a comprehensive approach to prevent procurement and contract fraud in the country.

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

He said the approach also 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.

Paul, who is 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.

“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,’’ he said.

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

“He said that fraud and corruption had made a resourceful, rich country resort to borrowing due to misappropriation and public trust abuse.

“However, it is expedient for the EFCC to sanitize its agencies, prevent corruption scandals, and boost public confidence.

“Recruitment practices should be critical to the organization because there is a need for a trustworthy workforce,’’ he said.

In addition, he said leadership infiltration is a serious concern, where people in positions of power may use their authority to engage in corrupt activities.

“They may use the doctrine of necessity to intimidate and conspire to protect their illicit operations.

“Professionals need to maintain their integrity and not let themselves be used as a means to an end. Professional reputation is valuable and should not be jeopardized for ill-gotten wealth.

“Taking a stand against corruption can protect your professional reputation and help create a better future for you and your communities.

“Professionals should endeavor to create synergy to promote a brighter, more honest future where corruption is no longer accepted.”

Paul, who is a licensed private investigator in New York further said that addressing the various problems in Africa is a complex and time-consuming process.

The don said that to tackle immediate societal issues, the education system needs to adopt a tailored approach that considers the values and customs of the local culture.

“The current curriculums have been criticised for imposing foreign values and beliefs without understanding the local customs. It is essential to emphasize the importance of maintaining self-identity and promoting a united Africa.

“We need to abandon the blame game and work together to address issues like poor governance, nepotism, religious intolerance, greed, and selfishness,’’ he said.