Nigeria's House intensifies probe into disputed agency, gives MDAs 48-hour ultimatum

The House of Representatives has escalated its inquiry into the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, issuing a stern 48-hour ultimatum to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) accused of obstructing the investigation. Lawmakers are scrutinizing the council's legal basis and its integration into official records, questioning how public institutions may have enabled its operations.

The probe has seen new developments, including the summons of Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and the withdrawal of a prominent lawyer from the defense of the council's alleged Director-General. The House Ad-hoc Committee, led by Yusuf Gagdi, warned that it would exercise its constitutional authority to force compliance from defaulting agencies.

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The committee views this conduct as a serious affront to the constitutional oversight powers of the House of Representatives and an unacceptable disregard for the authority of the parliament, which represents the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.

Gagdi emphasized that the agencies' non-compliance is a direct challenge to the National Assembly's oversight powers. He stated, "The committee views this conduct as a serious affront to the constitutional oversight powers of the House of Representatives and an unacceptable disregard for the authority of the parliament, which represents the sovereign will of the Nigerian people." He reminded agencies that committee invitations are legally binding, not discretionary, stemming from constitutional powers under Sections 88 and 89 of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution.

The committee has set Thursday as the final opportunity for all defaulting ministries, departments, and agencies to appear with requested officials and documents. This hearing is presented as the last chance for these entities to cooperate before further action is taken.

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It must be clearly understood that invitations issued by a duly constituted Committee of the House of Representatives are not matters of discretion. They are issued pursuant to the constitutional powers vested in the National Assembly under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). Compliance is therefore a legal obligation, not an act of courtesy.