The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called for a thorough and independent investigation into the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), following reports that more than ₦1 billion was appropriated for the body in the 2026 national budget despite official denials by the Presidency on the existence of the office.
In a statement signed and issued by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the anti-corruption group maintained that the controversy has transcended the actions of any individual and now requires a comprehensive public inquiry and explanation from the Federal Government.
The anti-corruption organisation described the development as a serious governance issue that raises questions about the credibility of Nigeria’s government operations, budgetary process and the management of public resources.
“If the Presidency maintains that the PFIPC does not exist, Nigerians deserve to know how an allocation for the council found its way into the 2026 Appropriation Act. The public has a right to know who proposed the allocation, the government institutions that processed and approved it, and whether any public funds have been released or committed considering the secondment of public servants to the office.” Suraju added.
The group further noted that transparency and accountability remain the bedrock of democratic governance, stressing that every budgetary allocation must be backed by legitimate legal and administrative processes.
“This controversy presents an opportunity for the Federal Government to demonstrate its commitment to openness by making all relevant information available to the public. The integrity of the national budget is fundamental to public trust. Any uncertainty surrounding the legitimacy of government institutions or public expenditure weakens confidence in governance and raises avoidable concerns about fiscal accountability,” Suraju stated.
The organisation further warned that unresolved questions surrounding the alleged council could have broader implications for Nigeria’s investment climate, as both domestic and international investors consider institutional transparency an important factor in assessing governance and economic stability.
HEDA therefore urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to immediately publish all documents relating to the alleged PFIPC, including the origin of the budget proposal, the approval process, any expenditure connected to the allocation, and measures being taken to prevent a recurrence.
HEDA called on the National Assembly, anti-corruption agencies, the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, and other oversight institutions to carry out an independent investigation into the matter and make their findings public.
“Nigerians deserve a full and credible explanation. Every appropriation in the national budget must be traceable, lawful and subject to public scrutiny. Strengthening accountability in public finance is essential to restoring confidence in government institutions and protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system,” the statement concluded.
