Nigeria’s House of Representatives has resolved to summon the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, key Ministers, Heads of government agencies, and the Inspector-General of Police over the emergence of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) in the 2026 National Budget.
Chairman of the Adhoc Committee investigating the matter, Yusuf Gagdi, announced the planned summons following fresh revelations by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, while responding to questions from Committee members at the commencement of the investigative hearing.
Also, a Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Hamisu Abdullahi, who represented the CBN Governor told the Committee that the Apex Bank opened accounts for the “fake” Agency upon receiving formal approval from the office of the Account General.
At the legislative inquest, CBN explained that it only followed directives as it does for other existing government agencies, but insisted that the two Bank accounts are inoperative, as no funds have been deposited there.
Both top Federal government officials made the stunning revelations at the ongoing investigation at the National Assembly in Abuja.
The Head of Service noted that her office never allocated office accommodation to the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, clarifying that it is the responsibility of the Office of the Secretary to the Federal Government
Walson-Jack informed the Committee that documents submitted to her office by the controversial Agency were addressed as the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC)/Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
The Committee chairman noted that it would require the SGF to provide further explanations on the establishment of the controversial Agency, its staffing process, office allocation, and funding arrangements, while the Inspector-General of Police is expected to appear alongside officers handling the investigation.
Others summoned by the Committee include the Ministers of Foreign Affairs; Finance; Budget and National Planning; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; Accountant-Genera; Budget Office of the Federation; Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC); National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
In his presentation, Speaker of the House, Tajuddeen Abbas, expressed concern that for weeks discussions surrounding the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council have dominated media reports, public commentary, and policy debates even though the Presidency has disowned it in totality.
Represented by the House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonbvere, the Speaker maintained that the probe was not about individuals, but institutions and the integrity of public administration, asking stakeholders concerned to support the adhoc Committee towards delivering on the job
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(Editor: Ken Eseni)
