Reps panel summons Ribadu, Odumegwu-Ojukwu over phantom federal agency

The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee has summoned the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, to address allegations surrounding the unregistered Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC). The summons comes after the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Ahmed, submitted detailed information to the committee, revealing that the PFIPC operated under false pretenses and claimed to represent the presidency without authorization. The committee, led by Yusuf Gagdi of the APC party from Plateau State, is investigating how the PFIPC functioned as a federal agency despite lacking legal recognition. According to Mr Ahmed, the ministry never acknowledged or engaged with the PFIPC, nor did it have any official dealings with the organization or its alleged director, Adeniyi Adeyemi. The ministry received three communications from Mr Adeyemi dated 26 June 2025, 5 August 2025, and 5 June 2026, each requesting collaboration for a proposed World Investment Summit in Nigeria. In these letters, Mr Adeyemi falsely identified himself as the director-general of both the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and the PFIPC. After conducting due diligence, the ministry found discrepancies in the documents and questioned the legitimacy of the council and its leadership. On 16 October 2025, the ministry contacted the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to verify Mr Adeyemi's position. ONSA responded on 26 November 2025, following inquiries with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Chief of Staff to the President, confirming that Mr Adeyemi was not recognized by any federal office. Mr Ahmed emphasized that the ministry never participated in diplomatic engagements involving the PFIPC, nor did it facilitate any foreign investors or international partners on behalf of the council. He stated that no agreements, treaties, or investment contracts were signed through the PFIPC, and Nigerian missions abroad were not instructed to interact with the organization since it was not officially recognized. The committee has been tasked with determining whether the country’s security agencies acted appropriately after learning that the PFIPC lacked legal standing. Mr Gagdi expressed concern that even though ONSA confirmed the PFIPC’s non-existence in November 2025, there remain unresolved questions about subsequent actions taken by relevant authorities. As a result, the committee has ordered Mr Ribadu to appear before it on Thursday at 12:00 noon to explain the steps taken following the confirmation that the PFIPC was not a recognized government body. Additionally, the committee has directed Mrs Odumegwu-Ojukwu to personally attend the session to clarify matters related to the ministry’s involvement. The proceedings will continue as the committee seeks clarity on the role of key officials in allowing the PFIPC to operate under false credentials.