Investigation into Allegations Surrounding the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council
On Monday, Mrs. Didi Esther Wolson-Jacques, head of the Federation’s Civil Service Directorate (HOSCF), addressed the House of Commons Select Committee regarding allegations of fraud linked to the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC). She asserted that her office has never allocated any office space to this council.
Claims of Fraudulent Appointment by Executive Director
During the proceedings, Mr. Wolson Jack was questioned about the appointment of Mr. Adeyemi Adeniyi, who allegedly fraudulently claimed the position of Executive Director at the PFIPC by presenting a presidential appointment that later emerged as forged. This inquiry has raised serious concerns about the legitimacy of the council’s formation and operations.
Comprehensive Inquiry into Council’s Legitimacy
The House of Commons has launched a thorough investigation into various facets of the PFIPC, including the legality of its establishment, the authenticity of its appointment documentation, staff recruitment procedures, and potential misuse of public funds and government resources. This inquiry seeks to shed light on the operational integrity of the council.
Role of Government Agencies Under Scrutiny
As part of its broader investigation, the committee is examining the involvement of relevant government agencies in the council’s functioning and whether established protocols were observed during its creation and operation.
Clarification on Office Space Allocation
In response to inquiries from MPs, Wolson Jack referred to records indicating that the office reportedly occupied by the council within the Federal Secretariat Phase III was officially designated for the Office of the Secretary of State for the Government of the Federation (OSGF), rather than the PFIPC. She emphasized her office’s responsibility for allocating spaces in the Federal Secretariat, stating that no office was allocated to the councils under investigation.
Application for Organizational Structure Approval
Wolson-Jack disclosed that while the council sought approval for its organizational structure and establishment, the request was initially deficient due to a lack of supporting documents. However, during the 2025 Annual Human and Budget Defense Exercise, the council submitted additional documentation, including the Secretary General’s appointment letter. This request was processed alongside submissions from 87 other ministries, departments, and agencies.
Clarification on Recruitment Procedures
Following the issuance of licensed premises for 314 positions, exemptions for recruitment were subsequently granted to the council. However, Wolson-Jack underscored that her office does not provide personnel to the council or sanction recruitment efforts. She asserted that while federal agency recruitment falls under the purview of their respective agencies, the oversight of the PFIPC’s establishment and operations does not lie within her office’s responsibilities.
Committee’s Continuing Investigation
Mrs. Wolson-Jack urged the committee to direct any further queries regarding the council’s establishment and operations to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, as well as other relevant government bodies. The committee will persist in its examination of the PFIPC’s activities, funding, and legal status amidst serious allegations of fraud and procedural discrepancies affecting its operations.
