By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the controversy surrounding the alleged funding of a fictitious government agency in the 2026 budget.
An ad hoc committee has been mandated to interface with the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, the Director-General of the Budget Office, and other relevant government officials.
In recent weeks, allegations and counter-allegations over the creation and funding of a purported government agency, the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) have dominated both traditional and social media.
The controversy was brought before the House by Plateau State lawmaker, Yusuf Gagdi, through a motion of urgent public importance, calling on Parliament to unravel the circumstances surrounding the agency.
Mr. Gagdi expressed concern over reports that more than ₦1.3 billion was allocated to the unrecognised agency in the 2026 budget.
Lawmakers described the development as a serious threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s budget process, insisting that anyone found culpable must be held accountable.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, whose photograph with the Director-General of the organisation, has circulated publicly, also backed the probe, saying a thorough investigation is necessary to protect the integrity of public institutions.
He disclosed that his office had received correspondence from the organisation, which presented itself as a Presidency-linked body operating from the Federal Secretariat.
The ad hoc committee has been mandated to verify the legal status of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies listed in the 2025 and 2026 Appropriation Frameworks.
It will also receive briefings from relevant security and anti-corruption agencies, while ensuring it does not interfere with any ongoing litigation.
