PFIPC Probe Businessman Tells Reps He Paid ₦400m To Adeyemi For Contract Facilitation

PFIPC Probe Businessman Tells Reps He Paid ₦400m to Adeyemi for Contract Facilitation A businessman, Gbenga Collins, has told the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the alleged establishment and operations of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council PFIPC that he paid ₦400 million to the council’s embattled Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi, to facilitate the award of a contract. Collins made the disclosure while appearing before the committee, which is probing allegations surrounding the activities of the disputed council and its inclusion in the 2026 Appropriation Act. According to the businessman, he travelled to Abuja where he was officially received by Adeyemi in an environment he described as befitting the head of a government agency.

He told lawmakers that Adeyemi operated from an office at the Federal Secretariat, used official-looking vehicles with government number plates and had security personnel around him, which convinced him that the PFIPC was a legitimate federal institution.

Collins, who identified himself as the Managing Director of Divine Dopacy Nigeria Limited, said Adeyemi later informed him of plans to renovate and furnish what was presented as his official residence and offered his company the contract. He alleged that Adeyemi personally took him to inspect the property before presenting him with a contract award letter, scope of work and an agreement authorising his company to execute the refurbishment project.

The businessman said Adeyemi subsequently requested ₦400 million, which he claimed was needed to demonstrate his company’s financial capacity and facilitate mobilisation for the contract.

“He gave me the contract award letter, the scope of work and the agreement with my company to execute the refurbishment project and asked me to pay the sum of ₦400 million for the facilitation of that project,” Collins told the committee. Collins said he raised the money from business associates who trusted his judgement because he had visited Adeyemi’s office and believed he was dealing with a genuine government official. He disclosed that the money was paid in instalments between May and July 2025, with payments made into accounts linked to World Entrepreneurs Limited and Sunshine Confectionery and Catering Services. The businessman said the promised mobilisation for the contract never came despite repeated assurances that payment would commence. He added that his lawyer later petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC over the matter. Collins, however, denied that the payment was a bribe, insisting that he believed it was a legitimate requirement connected to the contract process. He appealed to the lawmakers to assist in recovering the funds. The House committee is investigating the circumstances surrounding the creation and operations of the PFIPC, including allegations that the council operated without proper legal backing. The probe was triggered by claims involving Adeyemi and other individuals, including allegations about funding, appointments and the council’s proposed activities.

Committee Chairman, Yusuf Gagdi, said Adeyemi’s absence from the hearings was because he was in police custody and under investigation by anti-corruption agencies. The committee said it would engage with him discreetly as part of the ongoing inquiry.

The panel has also summoned the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC to explain how vehicles allegedly linked to the council obtained official government number plates.

The investigation continues as lawmakers seek to establish the legality of the council, the individuals involved in its operations and the circumstances surrounding funds allocated to the organisation.