Nigeria's Chief of Staff Grilled by Anti-Graft Agency Over Controversial Council

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), directing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to submit findings within 30 days. The probe aims to establish facts and identify any breaches of law or administrative procedures surrounding the council's establishment and operations.

As part of the investigation, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, appeared before the ICPC on Monday. His lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, confirmed Gbajabiamila's full cooperation, stating that his client provided information and answered questions relating to the investigation at the commission's headquarters in Abuja. Gbajabiamila returned to his official duties after testifying.

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In full cooperation with the ICPC, acting as directed by the President of Nigeria, I hereby confirm that my client, Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria, responded to the invitation of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and appeared at about 15:00hrs on Monday, July 20, 2026, as part of the ongoing investigation into the activities of the ‘PFIPC’ agency, among others.

The PFIPC has faced increasing scrutiny due to allegations of operating without a valid legal basis. This controversy has also drawn the attention of the House of Representatives, where an ad hoc committee is examining the council's origins and functions. Officials from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Central Bank of Nigeria have reportedly distanced their institutions from the council's creation during committee hearings.

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My client gave his testimony, responded to questions accordingly, and has returned to his duty post.