Senate Rejects Probe into N1.3bn PFIPC Budget Controversy

On Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate rejected a motion for a fresh investigation into a controversial N1.3 billion budget allocation for the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). Senator Kawu Sumaila raised concerns regarding the integrity of the country's budget process, noting that the allocation was included in the 2026 Appropriations Act despite the executive's public disowning of the agency.

The budget allocation of N1,302,978,000 included N800 million for personnel costs, N200 million for overhead, and N300 million for capital expenditure. The Senate leadership, led by President Barau Jibrin, opposed the request for further investigation, citing an ongoing investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

President Bola Tinubu had previously directed the ICPC to conduct a full investigation into the matter, which includes allegations of forgery related to the agency's existence and operations. The ICPC is expected to submit its findings within 30 days.