The House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) will question the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, today. The high-profile investigation enters its third week.
The committee, chaired by Yusuf Gagdi, is probing how an organisation the Federal Government has described as non-existent secured official office accommodation. The agency also received a budgetary allocation of more than N1.32 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
Accountant-General to explain budget code
At today’s hearing, Ogunjimi will explain how the PFIPC obtained a government budget code. This development enabled the agency to appear in the national budget despite questions surrounding its legal status.
His testimony will provide further insight into the budgetary and financial procedures. These procedures facilitated the agency’s inclusion in the federal government’s expenditure framework.
Key officials have already testified
Since the commencement of the probe, the committee has heard from several top government officials. Their testimonies have highlighted apparent gaps in administrative processes. These gaps allowed the agency to function as though it had official government approval.
Among those who have appeared are the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack; the Director of Banking Services at the CBN, Abdullahi Hamisu; and the Director-General of the Budget Office, Mr Tanimu Yakubu.
Arrest of self-acclaimed DG
The committee’s investigation gathered further momentum following the arrest of Mr Adeyemi Adeniyi. He presented himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC.
Police operatives arrested Adeniyi. He allegedly claimed that he paid N400 million through an intermediary to the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, to facilitate his appointment.
However, both the Presidency and Gbajabiamila have firmly denied any connection to Adeniyi or the claims. The Presidency described him as an impostor.
More officials expected to testify
Government officials have consistently maintained that the PFIPC is not a legally established federal agency. This has deepened concerns over how it obtained office space and secured budgetary provisions.
Those yet to testify include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; and the Minister of Finance, Mr Taiwo Oyedele.
The House committee has reiterated its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation. Lawmakers have maintained that anyone found culpable will face accountability.
Read also: ‘Fake’ PFIPC entered budget via official instrument under Buhari – Budget Office
