CIFCFIN Admits CPN, COREN Into Governing Council to Strengthen Forensic Practice
The Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) has admitted the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) as institutional representatives on its council.
The institute said the move is in line with its statutory mandate and recognition that forensic science is a multidisciplinary field that cuts across more than 127 professional and knowledge areas globally.
In a statement issued by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of CIFCFIN, Dr Isa Salifu, the institute said the inclusion of the two professional bodies would strengthen efforts to tackle cybercrime, engineering failures, and fraud across critical sectors of the economy.
According to Salifu, the partnership with CPN is expected to help address cyber-related crimes, digital fraud, and the activities of unqualified operators in the technology sector.
“The handshake with CPN will help to address issues of cybercrimes and loss of billions of naira by individuals and organisations, as well as protect national digital infrastructures and payment gateways, including banks and other financial systems,” he said.
He added that collaboration with COREN would help tackle engineering fraud, poor construction practices, and infrastructure failures across the country.
“The handshake with COREN will provide solutions to engineering frauds and failures, including the use of low-quality materials, building collapse, among others,” Salifu stated.
The registrar explained that the inclusion of both bodies in the institute’s policy-making structure demonstrates CIFCFIN’s commitment to advancing forensic science, fraud investigation, cybersecurity, and digital intelligence through a multi-sectoral governance framework.
“As forensic applications continue to evolve within digital ecosystems, financial systems, legal processes, healthcare, engineering, public governance, and other specialised sectors, CIFCFIN remains committed to ensuring broad-based representation and expertise within its governance structure,” he said.
Salifu noted that the decision was backed by Section 6 of the CIFCFIN Establishment Act 2022, which empowers the institute to establish professional boards and structures to ensure broad coverage of forensic knowledge across different sectors.
Other institutional representatives already serving on the governing council include the Federal Ministries of Justice, Finance, Trade and Investment, Education, and Interior, as well as the Police Service Commission and the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation.
The institute described the inclusion of CPN and COREN as part of efforts to promote inclusivity, professional integration, and stronger collaboration among institutions involved in forensic development and fraud prevention in Nigeria.
“The institute remains steadfast in its mission to build a globally respected forensic and investigative profession driven by integrity, competence, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration,” Salifu added.
