ON
← Back to feed
PFIPC: CBN opens govt accounts only on OAGF authorisation – Director tells Reps probe panel
NG🏛️ PoliticsCenter3 hr. ago

PFIPC: CBN opens govt accounts only on OAGF authorisation – Director tells Reps probe panel

A director at Nigeria's Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Hamisu Abdullahi, testified before the House of Representatives' ad-hoc committee investigating the alleged creation of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) without proper legal authority. He stated that the CBN only opens government accounts after receiving formal authorization from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF). According to Abdullahi, the CBN received instructions from the OAGF on July 29, 2025, to open two domiciliary accounts—one in US dollars and one in British pounds—for the PFIPC. These accounts were opened on July 30, 2025, but remain inactive with zero balance and no financial activity, including no foreign exchange transactions or authorized signatories. Abdullahi emphasized that the CBN has no direct communication with the PFIPC regarding these accounts. Additionally, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation clarified that her office does not have constitutional authority to establish new government agencies.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has confirmed that it only opens government accounts following formal authorization from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF). This revelation came during testimony before the House of Representatives' ad-hoc committee investigating the alleged creation of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) without a proper legal foundation. Hamisu Abdullahi, a senior CBN director representing the bank's governor, stated that the apex bank does not engage directly with ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) on matters related to account openings, closures, or changes in account details unless directed by the OAGF. Abdullahi emphasized that the CBN acts as the banker to the Federal Government and is responsible for opening accounts for MDAs, excluding those under the Treasury Single Account system. He clarified that the bank receives mandates from the OAGF to open specific accounts. According to his statement, the CBN received a directive from the OAGF dated July 29, 2025, to establish two domiciliary accounts for the Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council. These accounts, one in US dollars and another in British pounds, were opened on July 30, 2025. However, Abdullahi noted that these accounts have remained inactive since their creation. He revealed that the PFIPC did not provide authorized signatories necessary for the accounts to function, resulting in no financial activity. There have been no foreign exchange allocations, remittances, inflows, or outflows associated with the accounts, which have consistently held a zero balance since their inception. Furthermore, the CBN director indicated that there has been no direct communication between the PFIPC and the central bank concerning the operation of these accounts. This lack of interaction suggests that the PFIPC has not engaged with the CBN beyond the initial account setup. In a separate development, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, testified before the committee that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) does not have a constitutional role in establishing government agencies. While the OHCSF is tasked with approving the administrative structures of federal agencies, the actual establishment of such bodies lies outside its authority. Walson-Jack mentioned that the PFIPC had submitted a request for approval of its organizational structure on August 6, 2025. However, this request was denied due to incomplete documentation. Despite this setback, the PFIPC reportedly sought an exemption for its establishment and recruitment process during the 2025 annual manpower budget defense exercise. The council claimed that 14 staff members, including the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, were already employed and wished to begin full operations. The request from the PFIPC was processed along with those from 87 other MDAs and eventually approved as part of the fourth batch of manpower approvals. This approval allocated 314 positions, including the 14 existing roles within the PFIPC. The ongoing investigation into the PFIPC highlights the complex interplay between various governmental bodies and the need for clear legal frameworks governing the establishment of new councils. The committee continues to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the PFIPC’s formation and its compliance with established procedures. The situation underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to protocol in governmental operations.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Go to the primary sources (1)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

3 reports

Vanguard Nigeria logoVanguard NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 78yesterday
PFIPC: CBN opens govt accounts only on OAGF authorisation – Director tells Reps probe panel

A director at Nigeria's Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Hamisu Abdullahi, testified before the House of Representatives' ad-hoc committee investigating the alleged creation of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) without proper legal authority. He stated that the CBN only opens government accounts after receiving formal authorization from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF). According to Abdullahi, the CBN received instructions from the OAGF on July 29, 2025, to open two domiciliary accounts—one in US dollars and one in British pounds—for the PFIPC. These accounts were opened on July 30, 2025, but remain inactive with zero balance and no financial activity, including no foreign exchange transactions or authorized signatories. Abdullahi emphasized that the CBN has no direct communication with the PFIPC regarding these accounts. Additionally, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation clarified that her office does not have constitutional authority to establish new government agencies.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report of testimony provided by a CBN representative during a parliamentary inquiry into the PFIPC. It includes direct quotes from the official and provides context about the process of opening government accounts. There is no evident framing that favors one side over,

Why factuality (85): The article reports a statement by a CBN Director regarding the process for opening government accounts, citing specific dates and actions taken by the CBN. It aligns with the cross-source consensus that the CBN requires OAGF authorization for such activities. The information appears consistent with

Why objectivity (78): The article presents the CBN's position neutrally but includes some technical jargon and formal titles that may slightly skew the reader's perception. There is no overt bias, but the focus on the CBN's procedural stance might give the impression of institutional authority rather than impartial analy

Premium Times Nigeria logoPremium Times NigeriaIndependentCenter3 hr. ago
Fake Agency Probe: Reps panel threatens sanctions as MDAs ignore summons

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has issued a final warning to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that have ignored its summonses. The committee emphasized that its invitations are legally binding under the 1999 Constitution and stressed that non-compliance could result in sanctions. It stated that Thursday would be the last opportunity for MDAs to respond voluntarily, with failure leading to legal action. The investigation aims to ensure transparency and uphold constitutional authority, with the committee asserting that no agency can undermine its mandate.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the committee's actions and warnings in a neutral tone, focusing on legal obligations and procedural compliance. While the subject involves governmental oversight and potential conflict with powerful entities, the framing does not show clear ideological leaning. The language is恪

Vanguard Nigeria logoVanguard NigeriaIndependentCenteryesterday
Fake Agency Probe: OHCSF, CBN distance selves from PFIPC, reveal inactive accounts

The Nigerian House of Representatives' ad-hoc committee is investigating the alleged unauthorized creation of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC). The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have distanced themselves from the council, stating they were not involved in its establishment. OHCSF clarified that it does not have authority to approve new government agencies, and the PFIPC failed to provide necessary documentation for organizational approval. The OHCSF noted that the council operated using personnel seconded from other agencies and requested manpower approvals for 314 positions. Irregularities were found in the council’s legal documents, and OHCSF denied deploying staff or allocating office space. The CBN also reportedly distanced itself from the council's activities.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding institutional responses to an investigation into the PFIPC's legitimacy. It reports on official statements from OHCSF and CBN without overtly criticizing or praising either institution. The framing remains neutral, focusing on procedural clarities,Ḋ

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories