IMPACT OF WHISTLEBLOWING ON FRAUD DETECTION BY THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (EFCC)

Abstract

The study examines the impact of whistleblowing on fraud detection by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from 2016 to 2023. The research design is a quantitative approach. The study analyzes annual reports from the EFCC, public awareness surveys, and data on financial rewards given to whistleblowers. The findings reveal a positive and significant relationship between financial incentives and the number of fraud cases detected. Similarly, public awareness campaigns demonstrated a strong positive effect on fraud detection. Regression analysis confirms that both financial incentives and public awareness significantly enhance the EFCC's ability to detect fraud. The study concludes that improving reward structures and expanding public education on whistleblowing can strengthen fraud detection mechanisms in Nigeria. These findings provide important insights for policymakers aiming to refine anti-corruption strategies in the country.