Reps Summon Ribadu, Foreign Affairs Minister Over PFIPC Probe

Reps Summon Ribadu, Foreign Affairs Minister Over PFIPC Probe

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council PFIPC has summoned the National Security Adviser NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, over questions surrounding the council’s operations and its alleged lack of legal recognition. The committee wants Ribadu to explain the actions taken by his office after it was alerted in 2025 about the activities of the organisation, while Odumegwu-Ojukwu is expected to personally appear before lawmakers to clarify issues arising from the ministry’s submissions to the panel. The summons followed testimony by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, who told lawmakers that the ministry had rejected requests from the PFIPC and its self-acclaimed Director-General, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, after discovering inconsistencies in documents submitted by the organisation. Ahmed said Adeyemi approached the ministry on multiple occasions seeking collaboration and endorsement for a proposed investment summit but that the ministry declined after conducting due diligence. He added that the ministry later contacted the Office of the National Security Adviser in October 2025 to seek clarification on the status of the organisation and its leadership. According to the ministry’s account, inquiries reportedly established that the PFIPC was not recognised by relevant federal government offices. The committee is now seeking clarification on what further measures were taken after the alert was received. Chairman of the committee, Yusuf Gagdi, questioned why stronger action was not taken after the security authorities were reportedly informed about the council’s status. Lawmakers said they needed answers on whether appropriate steps were taken to prevent the organisation from continuing its activities. The committee also criticised some Ministries, Departments and Agencies MDAs for failing to fully comply with invitations, warning that institutions that ignore summons could face constitutional sanctions. The PFIPC investigation is examining how an organisation allegedly without formal government backing was able to interact with public institutions and become linked to government processes. The House panel is also looking into claims surrounding its inclusion in government budget-related matters. The controversy intensified after the Presidency reportedly stated that the PFIPC was not established by the Federal Government and that it had no official mandate. The committee has directed the NSA and Foreign Affairs Minister to appear before it as part of efforts to establish the full timeline of events, determine accountability, and identify possible failures in government verification procedures. Lawmakers say the investigation is aimed at protecting the integrity of government institutions and ensuring that no unauthorised body operates using the name or authority of the Federal Government.