PFIPC scandal: Again, Senate rejects probe request

The Nigerian Senate has once again refused to launch an independent investigation into the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC). The decision stems from the fact that the matter is already before the courts and is under investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

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In my view, the issue has been overtaken by events, as the culprit has been charged to court. It is now sub judice to attempt to go into it again. Mr President has already directed an investigation.

The controversy centers on a ₦1.3 billion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act for what is described as a purported federal agency. This allocation has drawn significant public attention, especially since the Presidency has stated that no such agency exists. The request for a Senate probe was renewed by Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu, representing Kano South Senatorial District, who had previously attempted to raise the issue without success.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled that the National Assembly cannot investigate a matter that is already sub judice, meaning it is currently before a court. He also highlighted that President Bola Tinubu has already mandated the ICPC to conclude its investigation within 30 days, rendering a separate Senate inquiry unnecessary at this stage. Akpabio remarked, "If we go into it now, we will probably be jumping the gun."

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If we go into it now, we will probably be jumping the gun.

Senator Kawu had previously argued that the Senate has a constitutional duty to scrutinize budget allocations, regardless of executive investigations. His concern focused on safeguarding the integrity of the National Assembly's appropriation process and understanding how the ₦1.3 billion allocation was approved. The controversy also involves Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the PFIPC and is reportedly facing criminal charges for alleged impersonation.

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But he can’t do our work. We, as the National Assembly, are supposed to conduct our own investigation. My concern is about the budget.