By Elizabeth Okeowo
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, admitted on Wednesday, that lapses in document vetting contributed to the controversial operations of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), while the Nigeria Police Force told the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee in Abuja, that it could not produce the council’s alleged Director-General because he is being held under a valid court order.
The developments emerged during the committee’s ongoing investigation into the activities of the purported agency, which has come under scrutiny over allegations of operating without proper legal backing and using questionable documents to obtain official recognition and government approvals.
Appearing before the committee, the Head of the Civil Service acknowledged that her office failed to carry out sufficient due diligence before issuing the Authorized Establishment and Recruitment Waiver linked to the PFIPC.
“Having now seen all the facts and examined all the documents, we concede that we ought to have carried out more due diligence in issuing the Authorized Establishment and Recruitment Waiver to the PEAC/PFIPC.”
She explained that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service acted on documents presented to it at the time, believing they were genuine.
According to her, the office received what appeared to be valid official records, including an appointment letter and an establishment document, before granting the approvals requested.
She noted that subsequent investigations revealed irregularities that raised serious concerns about the authenticity of those documents.
The admission marked one of the strongest acknowledgements by a government institution since the controversy surrounding the PFIPC became public.
It also underscored concerns about weaknesses in administrative verification processes within public institutions and renewed calls for stricter scrutiny before official approvals are granted.
At the same hearing, the committee received a response from the Inspector-General of Police explaining why Adeyemi Adeniyi, the alleged Director-General of the PFIPC, was not produced before lawmakers despite an earlier directive issued by the House.
Representing the Inspector-General, Deputy Commissioner of Police Olufemi Akinola, informed the committee that Adeniyi remains in lawful custody under a subsisting court order and could not be released for appearance before the lawmakers without the approval of the court that ordered his remand.
Committee Chairman, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, read the police’s response to members, explaining that the committee recognized the legal limitations surrounding the suspect’s detention.
“The IG said the man is in custody because of a standing court order. The court order has to be vacated before he can be brought to the National Assembly.”
The explanation came after the House committee had earlier directed the Inspector-General of Police to produce Adeniyi within 48 hours to answer questions relating to the establishment and activities of the alleged agency.
While noting that the committee expected full cooperation from all relevant institutions, Gagdi said lawmakers would continue to respect the constitutional roles of the courts and law enforcement agencies.
He stressed that the committee’s investigation was not intended to obstruct ongoing criminal investigations but to establish how the purported council secured official recognition and processed government approvals despite questions surrounding its legal status.
“We are a respecter of the principle of the separation of powers. We cannot tamper with the ongoing investigation.
We respect the good jobs the Inspector-General of Police, the DSS, the ICPC, the EFCC and the Office of the National Security Adviser are doing.”
The committee also disclosed that preliminary findings pointed to widespread irregularities, including the alleged forgery of appointment letters and other official documents believed to have been used to support the operations of the council.
Lawmakers said the documents formed a critical part of the investigation and would undergo further examination alongside evidence obtained from relevant ministries, departments and agencies.
The PFIPC has remained at the centre of public attention following allegations that it operated as a federal government agency without clear legal authorization.
The controversy deepened after reports suggested that the council obtained office accommodation within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja and appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act despite questions over its legal existence.
The committee is expected to continue its hearings by reviewing additional documentary evidence and receiving submissions from other government agencies involved in the matter.
Lawmakers say the outcome of the investigation will help determine the extent of administrative failures and individual responsibilities connected to the controversy.
As the probe continues, the House committee has reaffirmed its commitment to uncovering the facts surrounding the PFIPC and ensuring that anyone found to have violated the law or abused public office is held accountable through the appropriate legal process.
