PFIPC Scandal: Foreign Affairs Ministry Disowns Council As Reps Summon Ribadu

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has distanced itself from the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), telling the House of Representatives that it neither recognised the council nor had any official dealings with its alleged Director General, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi.

The revelation was made before the House Ad Hoc Committee investigating the activities of the council, which has been accused of presenting itself as a government institution despite questions surrounding its legal status and authenticity.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, who represented the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, told lawmakers that the ministry rejected repeated requests from PFIPC after conducting due diligence and discovering inconsistencies in the organisation’s documents.

Ahmed explained that the alleged Director General of PFIPC approached the ministry on several occasions seeking collaboration and support for investment related activities, but the ministry declined due to concerns over the council’s legitimacy and the identity of its leadership.

According to the ministry, it later contacted the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for clarification on the status of the council and its principal officer, after which the security office reportedly confirmed that Adeyemi was unknown to the Federal Government.

The ministry further stated that it never facilitated any foreign meetings, investment agreements, diplomatic engagements or international partnerships involving PFIPC, adding that Nigerian missions abroad were not authorised to work with the organisation.

Following the submission, Chairman of the House committee, Yusuf Gagdi, summoned the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to explain what actions his office took after determining that PFIPC was not a recognised government institution.

The lawmakers questioned why further steps were allegedly not taken after the security agency confirmed that the council was not established by the Federal Government.

The committee also requested the personal appearance of the Foreign Affairs Minister to provide further explanations on issues arising from the ministry’s presentation.

The PFIPC controversy gained public attention after allegations emerged that the council operated in the name of the Presidency and was linked to government processes despite questions about its establishment and authority.

The House committee said its investigation would determine how the organisation allegedly gained access to government institutions and whether any individuals or agencies failed to act after concerns were raised about its operations.

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