PFIPC Probe: Reps Panel Summons Foreign Affairs Minister, NSA Over Council’s Operations

The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has criticised some heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for failing to honour its summons, describing their absence as a setback to the ongoing inquiry.

The committee raised the concerns shortly after Tuesday’s plenary, insisting that invited officials must appear personally before the panel or risk further legislative action.

The committee also faulted the absence of the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, who was represented by an official of the ministry. Chairman of the panel, Yusuf Gagdi, warned that the committee would not tolerate non-compliance with its directives and stressed the need for full cooperation from all government institutions involved in the investigation.

As part of the inquiry, the committee summoned the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to explain how the PFIPC allegedly operated despite concerns raised over its legitimacy.

The lawmakers said the officials’ appearances would help clarify the circumstances surrounding the council’s establishment, operations and legal standing.

The PFIPC has come under legislative scrutiny, with the committee seeking explanations from relevant government officials and agencies over its activities.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives on Tuesday called for a comprehensive investigation into the losses, casualties and abandoned properties linked to recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

The lawmakers urged the Federal Government to strengthen diplomatic engagement, pursue legal measures and improve bilateral cooperation with South Africa to ensure the safety and protection of Nigerians living in the country.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Babajimi Benson, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State.

The motion mandates the House Committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to document the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians during the attacks, compile an inventory of abandoned properties and recommend measures to improve protection for Nigerians abroad.

Lawmakers said a thorough assessment of the impact of the attacks was necessary to support affected citizens and strengthen Nigeria’s response to similar incidents in the future.