The 10th House of Representatives has escalated its investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) that have yet to comply with its summons.
The House Ad-hoc Committee investigating the alleged establishment, funding and operations of the council directed all defaulting agencies to appear before it today, Thursday with the relevant officials and documents requested during previous correspondence. The committee warned that failure to comply would trigger the use of the constitutional powers of the National Assembly to compel attendance and enforce accountability.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Yusuf Gadgi said Thursday would be the last opportunity for the affected agencies to comply with the committee’s summons, stressing that only the substantive Heads and accounting officers of the agencies would be allowed to appear and present reports.
He said the committee would not accept excuses, proxies or the representation of agencies by permanent secretaries or other officials, insisting that the chief executives must personally account for matters relating to the investigation.
According to him, “Any ministry, department or agency that fails to appear without lawful justification will leave the committee with no alternative but to invoke every Constitutional and statutory power available to the House of Representatives to compel compliance and ensure accountability”.
The lawmaker further warned that the committee would recommend every sanction permitted by law against any person or institution that deliberately obstructs or frustrates the investigation. He maintained that the investigation was not targeted at any individual or institution but was intended to establish the facts, protect the integrity of public administration, uphold the rule of law and ensure that no public officer or government institution operates outside the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Gadgi assured that the committee would conduct its assignment professionally, fairly and transparently, without fear or favour, while stressing that no agency, regardless of its status or influence, would be allowed to undermine the constitutional oversight powers of the House of Representatives. He directed all the affected agencies to use the additional time before today to prepare comprehensive reports, adding that the committee expected all relevant documents capable of assisting its investigation to be submitted.
Following a Motion moved by a committee member, Hon. Afang Victor Oben, the committee adjourned its sitting to Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 12 noon, when the affected agencies are expected to appear before it.
