MPs Summon National Security Adviser Amid Controversy Over Investment Council
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the House of Representatives on Tuesday that it has neither recognized nor been involved with the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC). Security screenings have revealed that Mr. Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the council’s Executive Director, is not known to the federal government.
This information was presented by Dunoma Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, representing Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, during a hearing led by the House of Representatives Select Committee. The committee is investigating the legitimacy of the PFIPC, which has come under scrutiny.
During the proceedings, Mr. Ahmed detailed that Prince Adeyemi, who alleges to hold positions as both Executive Secretary of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) and the PFIPC, previously sent multiple requests for support in hosting the Global Investment Summit in Nigeria on June 26, August 5, and June 5 of consecutive years. However, all these requests were declined after thorough vetting revealed inconsistencies in the documentation and raised questions about the authority of the council and its officials.
In a letter dated October 16, 2025, the Ministry sought clarification from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) regarding Prince Adeyemi’s claimed role as Director-General of the PFIPC. The ONSA’s response, dated November 26, confirmed that an investigation conducted through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation found no record of Prince Adeyemi with any federal agency.
Mr. Ahmed further emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not engaged in any bilateral or multilateral dealings involving the PFIPC, nor has it facilitated any delegations for foreign investors or international partners in connection with the council. He clarified that no memorandum of understanding or investment treaty has been executed via the PFIPC, and that the Ministry maintains no operational records concerning the council.
The revelations elicited concerns from committee chairman Yusuf Gagdi, who asked why stronger actions had not been taken upon the discovery of the council’s dubious status as reported by the national security adviser in late 2025. Consequently, the committee has summoned National Security Adviser Nouf Ribadu to appear before them to clarify the steps taken in light of his office’s findings.
Additionally, the MPs insisted that Minister Odumegwu Ojukwu must personally address the committee to provide further insights based on the Ministry’s statements. Gagdi explained that the committee intends to assess what actions security agencies have initiated following the reported concerns regarding the PFIPC’s credibility. He emphasized the importance of those in positions of authority to provide answers and take necessary actions when discrepancies come to light.
