THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF FORENSICS AND CERTIFIED FRAUD INVESTIGATORS OF NIGERIA (CIFCFIN) – FOUNDER’S DAY SPECIAL REPORT

The Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) was established through the vision and dedication of its esteemed pioneer governing council, fondly referred to as the "12 Wise Men." The founding members are: Dr. I.B. Gashinbaki, Dr. Johnson Oludeinde Oluata, Prof. Suleiman Aruwa, Prof. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Okoye, Alh. Maru Lawal Bawa, Prof. Michael Adebayo Ayeni, Mrs. Alice Samuel Urom, Dr. Christian Chibueze Chigbu, Mrs. M'ovul Kondoun Shiva Rae, Prof. Hassan Ibrahim, Dr. Oke Olubode, and Hajiya Fatima Muhammadu Buhari. Their efforts were supported by two institutional promoters: the Society for Forensic Accounting and Fraud Prevention (SFAFP) and the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), with ANAN notably initiating and funding SFAFP’s foundational activities.

The Institute’s journey gained significant traction with the introduction of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Examiners of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill in the National Assembly. Remarkably, while similar bills had been in the National Assembly for about ten years awaiting passage, CIFCFIN’s bill progressed swiftly and was passed in two years, achieving its first reading on December 1, 2021, and passing its second and third readings by February 15, 2022. The speed of its progression, culminating in a presidential assent within the same year, highlights its significance in national development. Notably, during this time, four similar bills were also awaiting presidential assent.

The bill was sponsored by Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and promoted by Sen. Robert Ajayi Boroffice, Senate Deputy Majority Leader, in the Senate, receiving overwhelming support from both Houses. Despite facing opposition from various stakeholders—including existing professional bodies, professional bodies seeking charters, and regulators—the Institute’s determination and the credibility of its vision triumphed, culminating in its establishment.

On May 24, 2022, the Institute presented its 2022 Country Report to His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and conferred on him the Global Integrity Award for his contributions to the fight against corruption. Subsequently, on December 23, 2022, President Buhari signed the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (Establishment) Act into law, granting the Institute its formal charter to regulate and promote forensic and fraud investigation practices in Nigeria.

Key Milestones Post-Charter

1. Institutional Members

2. Governance and Operations:
• The inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on March 29, 2023, at the EFCC Academy, Karu. Approving key regulations such as:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->a)     <!--[endif]-->The Governance Regulations,

<!--[if !supportLists]-->b)     <!--[endif]-->Membership Regulations,

<!--[if !supportLists]-->c)      <!--[endif]-->College Regulations and

<!--[if !supportLists]-->d)     <!--[endif]-->Branch Operation Regulations.

• The second AGM took place on May 31, 2024, further reinforcing the Institute’s commitment to effective governance.

3. Membership and Training:
• CIFCFIN has trained 3,057 members since its charter:
• 207 Associate Members
• 1,312 Certified Direct Members
• 461 Fellows
• 1,077 Revalidated Members
• Total membership now stands at 5,191 across Nigeria and beyond.
4. Board of Diplomates

The Institute has inaugurated various Boards of Diplomates, representing disciplines such as Accounting and Audit, Humanities, Securities & Investment, Digital Forensics, and Banking & Insurance. These Boards serve as a cornerstone for specialized expertise, fostering professional growth and multi-disciplinary collaboration.

5. Nigerian College of Forensics and Fraud Investigators (NICFFI)

Pursuant to Section 13 of the CIFCFIN (Establishment) Act, 2022, the Nigerian College of Forensic and Fraud Investigation has commenced operations and has graduated its first batch of forensic professionals on the 27^th of September 2024.

6. Secretariat

Our unwavering commitment to growth and development is exemplified by a remarkable increase in our workforce, expanding from a team of approximately 12 personnel pre-charter to a dynamic and robust team of 35 – 40 staff post-charter. This substantial growth strengthens our operational capacity and contributes significantly to job creation and economic empowerment. The Institute's day-to-day activities are diligently overseen by Dr. Isa Salifu, who serves as the Registrar/CEO and Secretary to the Governing Council, ensuring the efficient execution of our mandate and strategic objectives.

7. Notable Inductions:
• CIFCFIN has inducted high-profile individuals, including:
• Hon. Justice Moore Abraham Adumein, a serving Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
• Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira, Auditor General for the Federation.
• Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), former Attorney General of the Federation.
• Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd.), former Comptroller General of Customs.
• Mr. Ola Olukoyede, current EFCC Chairman, and all past EFCC Chairmen since the Institute began.
8. Strategic Partnerships:
• Collaborations with key institutions include:
• Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
• Office of the Auditor General for the Federation (OAuGF)
• Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
• National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
• Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
• Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC)
• Nigerian College of Accountancy (NCA)
• National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
• Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
• Association of Forensic Accounting Researchers (AFAR)
• National Technical Aid Corps (NTAC)
• Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR)
• Formal Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with organizations such as the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
9. Professional Recognition:
• CIFCFIN is now a member of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN).
• The Institute holds observer status on the Administrative Proceedings Committee and the Investment and Securities Tribunal (IST) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The Institute remains steadfast in its mission to shape the future of forensic and fraud investigations in Nigeria. By fostering rigorous standards, multidisciplinary collaboration, and cutting-edge training, the Institute empowers professionals to address complex financial and economic challenges effectively, contributing to a transparent and resilient economy.