IMPACT OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTING IN INVESTIGATING ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTING FRAUD IN OIL AND GAS COMPANIES

This study investigates the impact of forensic accounting practices on the identification and prevention of environmental accounting fraud in oil and gas companies in Nigeria. The study evaluates the influence of four forensic accounting sub-variables—fraud detection techniques, fraud investigation processes and financial statement analysis on the effectiveness of detecting environmental misstatements. A descriptive survey design was adopted, utilizing data collected from 216 accounting and audit professionals in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. Multiple regression analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25. Results indicate that all four forensic accounting practices significantly and positively influence the detection and mitigation of environmental accounting fraud, with a model R² value of 0.66, suggesting strong explanatory power. These findings highlight the essential role of forensic accounting in enhancing financial transparency, environmental accountability, and regulatory compliance in high-risk industries. The study concludes that integrating forensic accounting techniques into corporate governance and regulatory oversight can substantially curb environmental misreporting and foster public trust. Recommendations include institutionalizing forensic audits in environmental reporting and enhancing capacity-building programs for accounting professionals