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PFIPC Probe: ICPC Indicts Civil Servants Over ₦1.3bn Fake Agency Scandal

Published

2 months ago

August 27, 2026

Reps Panel Traces 58 Bank Accounts, 12 Illegal Entities in PFIPC Fraud Network

PFIPC Probe: ICPC Indicts Civil Servants Over ₦1.3bn Fake Agency Scandal

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered how several civil servants allegedly helped Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew, the director-general of the now-disowned Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), obtain government approvals and gain access to official financial and administrative systems. The findings are contained in the ICPC interim investigation report on the PFIPC saga, submitted to President Bola Tinubu on August 6, 2026, exactly 30 days after the President directed the commission to investigate the matter. The investigation established that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government and that the PFIPC had no legal basis for its existence.

The ICPC report reveals that Adeyemi’s ability to penetrate government structures went beyond the forged documents he allegedly presented. It also depended on the actions of officials in several government institutions who processed his requests and facilitated approvals despite gaps in the required procedures. According to the ICPC, Adeyemi began seeking formal recognition within government structures in November 2024 when he approached the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) for an administrative code, self-accounting status and approval to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He supported the applications with purported official documents, including an appointment letter, an establishment instrument, and a letter on State House letterhead allegedly signed by one Akanbi Adewale. Investigators found that Akanbi Adewale did not exist. Forensic examination also showed that the letter attributed to him was signed by Adeyemi himself. Despite these irregularities, the documents were used to process the applications. On 27 May 2025, the OAGF granted the organisation self-accounting status and assigned it the administrative code 0111062001, alongside authorised establishment and recruitment waiver arrangements. The approvals enabled the purported PFIPC to secure a place in the 2026 federal budget and gain access to government financial systems. The OAGF subsequently created a Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) platform and a Sub-Treasury Account for the organisation. Acting on a request from the PFIPC, the OAGF also issued a mandate to the CBN for the creation of two domiciliary accounts. The CBN later told the House of Representatives that the accounts were never activated because the purported agency failed to provide authorised signatories.

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The ICPC investigation examined the roles of several civil servants who allegedly facilitated the PFIPC’s operations. Three civil servants played key roles in securing an authorised establishment and recruitment waiver for the PFIPC. They are Rose Achem, senior administrative officer to the director-general of the Budget Office of the Federation; Patricia Akhigbe, an assistant director in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning; and Mimi Abu, director of organisation design and development at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF). According to the ICPC, Achem introduced Akhigbe to Abu as the head of human resources of the PFIPC, even though Akhigbe was an assistant director in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. The introduction was made to facilitate the purported council’s application for authorised establishment and recruitment waiver. The ICPC found that Achem, Akhigbe and Abu subsequently facilitated the approvals through the OHCSF. The investigation also found that Adeyemi paid Akhigbe ₦500,000 during Easter in 2025, with the payment described in evidence as a “thank you for your support”. The authorised establishment was granted on the same day the three officials met. Investigators found no evidence that the PFIPC had formally applied for an authorised establishment and recruitment waiver. Instead, Abu, Achem and Akhigbe proceeded with the approvals outside the required process. When investigators requested the relevant file from the OHCSF, the office reportedly said it was missing.

The ICPC scrutinised Abu’s role because her department is responsible for authorised establishment, manpower requirements and recruitment waivers for federal government organisations. Under the standard procedure, newly established government organisations seeking authorisation are expected to submit documents showing their mandate and establishment instruments, as well as the appointment letter of the head of the organisation. The investigation found that Achem and Akhigbe met Abu on behalf of the PFIPC and presented what investigators described as forged establishment instruments and a forged appointment letter for Adeyemi. Abu reportedly described the controversial appointment letter, said to have been issued by the Chief of Staff to the President, as an “aberration.” She told investigators she could not recall another government organisation presenting an appointment letter signed by the Chief of Staff. The ICPC also confirmed that the purported appointment letter did not originate from the Presidency and that forensic examination found the signature did not match the Chief of Staff’s official specimen signature.

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The ICPC also examined the role of Aminu Abdullahi, the official responsible for office allocation within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF). Abdullahi was responsible for coordinating the allocation of offices to political appointees within the OSGF. According to the investigation, Abdullahi was introduced to Adeyemi in March 2025 by Ibrahim Abdulkadir, a deputy director in General Services. The introduction was intended to guide Adeyemi through the process of obtaining office accommodation at the Federal Secretariat. The ICPC found that Abdullahi allocated offices previously occupied by the former Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Doyin Salami, at the Federal Secretariat Phase III for temporary use by the PFIPC without written approval. Only two keys were available for the allocated offices. The investigation found that Abdullahi broke the locks on the remaining doors to give Adeyemi access to the other office spaces. The financial trail also raised questions. An analysis of Abdullahi’s bank statement showed that he received ₦3.25 million from Adeyemi in three tranches between March and November 2025, according to the ICPC.

The ICPC has cleared Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, of any involvement in the scandal. According to the investigation, Adeyemi allegedly produced a fake appointment letter dated March 2024 using a State House letterhead, with a signature presented as that of Gbajabiamila. Investigators said they found no record showing that Gbajabiamila appointed Adeyemi or had any direct dealings with him over the purported agency. The ICPC also found no link between the Office of the Chief of Staff, the State House, and Adeyemi or the PFIPC. The commission explained that the Office of the Chief of Staff does not issue appointment letters for heads of government ministries, departments, and agencies. Its responsibility is to transmit presidential approvals to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, which handles the formal appointment process. The ICPC also checked official correspondence records from the Office of the Chief of Staff, including its dispatch system and electronic correspondence platform, and found no communication involving Adeyemi or the PFIPC from 2024 to September 2025.

The investigation further uncovered two other purported fictitious agencies allegedly created by Adeyemi to facilitate and expand the activities of the scheme. These are the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and Public Private Partnership (FIFA-PPP). According to ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu, forged legislative instruments were allegedly used to create the purported agencies and facilitate the opening and operation of bank accounts in their names.

The ICPC investigation identified weaknesses in existing civil service procedures that enabled the purported organisation to obtain official approvals. The commission said the OHCSF’s standard operating procedure did not adequately require newly established federal institutions to submit relevant establishment documents. It also found insufficient mechanisms for vetting and verifying documents presented by such organisations. Aliyu stated that weaknesses in verification procedures and inter-agency oversight created opportunities which were allegedly exploited by the suspect and his collaborators to operate the fictitious organisation. The self-accounting status granted by the OAGF was particularly significant because it enabled the purported council to operate within government financial reporting structures and became an important document in its dealings with other government institutions.

Following the ICPC findings, President Tinubu has directed the commissioning of a comprehensive forensic investigation into government processes and internal controls. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this after the Federal Executive Council meeting on August 19, 2026. Oyedele said the investigation would establish how such bodies were able to operate within the government structure and identify weaknesses in existing administrative, accounting and governance systems. The review will also examine the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), particularly because the existence of fictitious agencies could potentially create room for the registration of non-existent employees.

The ICPC has recommended the prosecution of Adeniyi Adeyemi for offences including forgery, impersonation and other related offences. The commission also recommended administrative sanctions against public officers whose acts of commission, omission or negligence facilitated the illegal operation of PFIPC. The ICPC further proposed institutional reforms aimed at strengthening verification mechanisms, internal controls and inter-agency oversight across Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government. Aliyu stressed that the investigation is still ongoing, particularly to identify other persons who may have participated in or facilitated the alleged scheme and to obtain further evidence necessary to support criminal prosecution.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed the ICPC interim report as predictable and inadequate, accusing the federal government of prioritising damage control over a thorough investigation. The ADC said the report failed to explain how a fictitious agency secured federal office space, had civil servants deployed to it and found its way into the 2026 budget with a N1.3 billion provision. The party stated: “A forgery may explain the first door that was opened. It cannot explain why every subsequent door appears to have opened as well”.

PFIPC Probe: ICPC Indicts Civil Servants Over ₦1.3bn Fake Agency Scandal

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FG Approves Upward Review of Feeding Allowance for NYSC Members

Published

6 hours ago

October 12, 2026

Trends Admin

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FG Approves Upward Review of Feeding Allowance for NYSC Members

Abuja — The Federal Government has approved an increase in the feeding allowance for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) during their orientation course, with implementation scheduled to commence in 2027.

The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this while addressing the 2026 Batch C Stream One corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Obubra, Cross River State.

According to the DG, the Budget Office has already been formally notified of the upward review of the allowance. However, the specific monetary value of the increment was not disclosed during the announcement.

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The approval comes amid persistent calls for improved welfare for corps members, particularly regarding the feeding and general upkeep provided during the mandatory three-week orientation exercise.

Beyond the financial announcement, Brigadier General Nafiu used the platform to counsel the corps members on financial responsibility. He advised them to spend wisely and cultivate a strong savings habit, stressing the importance of prudent resource management during their service year and beyond.

The DG’s visit to the Obubra camp was part of a broader tour to assess the welfare and conditions of corps members currently undergoing orientation across the country.

While the 2027 implementation timeline suggests a waiting period for the current batch, the approval signals the government’s intent to adjust the allowances in line with current economic realities. Further details regarding the exact amount and the modalities for the disbursement are expected to be communicated by the NYSC Directorate in due course.

FG Approves Upward Review of Feeding Allowance for NYSC Members

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Fuel Subsidy May Ease Hardship Today, But Could Cripple Nigeria’s Economy Tomorrow — FG

Published

12 hours ago

October 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele

Fuel Subsidy May Ease Hardship Today, But Could Cripple Nigeria’s Economy Tomorrow — FG

The Federal Government has warned that restoring petrol subsidy could provide temporary relief to Nigerians but expose the country to severe fiscal pressure in the long run, as rising fuel prices continue to deepen the cost-of-living crisis.

Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele has estimated that a return to petrol subsidy could cost Nigeria more than ₦20 trillion annually, arguing that the financial burden could undermine government spending on infrastructure, healthcare, education and other essential services.

The warning comes amid growing public concern over the impact of rising petrol prices, transportation fares, food costs and business operating expenses on households and enterprises across the country.

For millions of Nigerians, cheaper petrol could offer immediate relief by reducing transportation and distribution costs. However, the government maintains that a blanket subsidy would place enormous pressure on public finances and could weaken the gains expected from the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023.

Oyedele said the scale of Nigeria’s petrol consumption makes a return to the policy particularly expensive. He has argued that subsidising petrol would divert substantial public resources from other priorities and potentially increase borrowing requirements.

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The government’s position is that the resources saved through fuel subsidy removal can be redirected towards infrastructure, social services and development programmes. However, the immediate benefits of those savings remain a major concern for citizens facing higher daily expenses.

The debate has intensified as the government explores alternative measures to cushion the effects of rising fuel prices without restoring a nationwide subsidy.

One of the proposed interventions is a temporary petrol discount at NNPC retail outlets, intended to provide short-term relief to motorists and other consumers. The government has maintained that the arrangement is different from a blanket subsidy because it involves a reduction in the company’s retail profit margin rather than direct government payments.

Other measures announced or proposed by the government include support for vulnerable households, wider adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG), and interventions aimed at moderating fuel costs and easing pressure on businesses.

However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on how widely the benefits reach consumers and whether any reduction in petrol prices translates into lower transport fares and the cost of goods and services.

Critics of the current approach argue that the hardship facing households requires more immediate and measurable relief. They contend that increased government revenue from subsidy removal must translate into visible improvements in living standards, public services and economic opportunities.

The policy debate therefore centres on how to balance immediate relief with long-term economic stability. While subsidised petrol could reduce the price paid at filling stations, the ultimate cost to the country would depend on the subsidy rate, consumption levels, funding arrangements and wider economic effects.

For Nigeria, the challenge is to protect households and businesses from the effects of rising energy costs without placing an unsustainable burden on public finances.

Targeted assistance, better public transportation, investment in domestic energy supply and transparent deployment of public revenue could help cushion the impact of high fuel prices while limiting the risks associated with a universal subsidy.

Ultimately, the question is not simply whether cheaper petrol would ease hardship today, but whether the country can provide meaningful relief without creating financial pressures that could worsen economic conditions tomorrow.

Fuel Subsidy May Ease Hardship Today, But Could Cripple Nigeria’s Economy Tomorrow — FG

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OASIS Foundation Webinar: Physician Urges Healthy Living to Prevent Chronic Diseases

Published

1 day ago

October 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Consultant Family Physician, Dr Ibraheem AbdulRauf

OASIS Foundation Webinar: Physician Urges Healthy Living to Prevent Chronic Diseases

A Consultant Family Physician, Dr Ibraheem AbdulRauf, has urged Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles, including balanced diets, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and routine medical screening, as part of efforts to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

AbdulRauf, who works at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, said lifestyle changes remained important in reducing the risk of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases.

He made the recommendations while delivering a lecture titled “Promoting Healthy Lifestyles for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)” at the fourth quarterly webinar health series organised by the OASIS Muslim Care Foundation (OMCF) on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

The physician explained that non-communicable diseases were generally chronic conditions that were not transmitted from one person to another but were influenced by a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors.

According to him, the growing burden of these diseases has become a major public health concern because of their contributions to premature deaths, disabilities, reduced quality of life and rising healthcare costs.

He noted that NCDs could place considerable financial pressure on individuals and families because they often require long-term medication, regular medical appointments, laboratory investigations and hospital care.

The specialist also observed that chronic illnesses could reduce productivity, affect employment and increase dependence on family members, making prevention an important public health priority.

Unhealthy lifestyles increase disease risks

AbdulRauf identified unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful alcohol consumption as major modifiable risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases.

He explained that these behavioural factors could contribute to metabolic conditions, including hypertension, overweight and obesity, elevated blood glucose and abnormal blood lipid levels, which increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

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While acknowledging that some risk factors, such as age, sex, genetic constitution and family history, could not be modified, he stressed that individuals could reduce their exposure to many preventable risks through healthier daily habits.

He, however, emphasised that preventing NCDs should not be regarded solely as an individual responsibility, arguing that families, communities, healthcare providers and governments also had important roles to play.

According to the presentation, health promotion must go beyond providing information about diseases to creating social, economic and environmental conditions that make healthier choices easier and more affordable.

Physician advocates healthier diets

The consultant identified nutrition as one of the important determinants of health, warning that diets high in salt, free sugars, saturated fats and unhealthy processed foods could contribute to obesity, hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

He recommended diets containing adequate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and other nutrient-rich foods to support healthy body weight and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.

AbdulRauf also highlighted the importance of reducing salt intake, explaining that excessive sodium consumption could raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

He listed fruits such as apples, berries, oranges, bananas, pawpaw, watermelon and avocados among the options highlighted in the presentation, while spinach, broccoli, carrots, kale, tomatoes and sweet potatoes were included among the vegetables.

The physician also drew attention to whole-food, plant-based diets, describing them as an important component of strategies for preventing and managing chronic diseases.

He cited familiar Nigerian foods and meals that can form part of a plant-based diet, including moi moi, bean porridge, akara, okra soup, ewedu, gbegiri, brown rice, acha and unripe plantains.

Tiger nut milk, soya milk and groundnut milk were also listed as examples of plant-based drinks.

The presentation emphasised the importance of prioritising whole or minimally processed foods while limiting excessive consumption of refined sugars, unhealthy fats and sodium.

Regular exercise recommended

AbdulRauf identified physical inactivity as another major risk factor, noting that sedentary occupations, motorised transportation and prolonged screen time had contributed to lifestyles characterised by insufficient movement.

He explained that regular physical activity could reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity and certain cancers while improving musculoskeletal health, cognitive function and general well-being.

According to the lecture, physical activity does not necessarily require expensive gym memberships or specialised equipment.

Walking, cycling, household activities, recreational sports and other forms of movement can help people become more physically active.

The presentation cited World Health Organisation recommendations that children and adolescents aged five to 17 should undertake at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily.

For adults aged 18 to 64, it recommended at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or an equivalent combination of both.

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It also recommended muscle-strengthening activities involving major muscle groups on at least two days a week for adults.

For people aged 65 and above, the presentation recommended similar weekly activity targets, alongside muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days a week.

AbdulRauf also highlighted the need for families, schools, workplaces and communities to encourage active lifestyles by supporting walking, cycling, group exercises, recreational activities and workplace wellness programmes.

Tobacco, alcohol linked to serious health problems

The consultant warned that tobacco use remained an important preventable cause of disease and premature death, with smoking associated with cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory conditions and several cancers.

He also highlighted the dangers of second-hand smoke, noting that exposure could harm people who did not smoke themselves.

The lecture called for tobacco prevention and cessation support, smoke-free environments, public education and measures to discourage young people from initiating tobacco use.

On alcohol, AbdulRauf noted its association with cardiovascular diseases, liver disease and several cancers.

The presentation cited the World Health Organisation’s 2024 global report on alcohol and health, which estimated that alcohol contributed to approximately 2.6 million deaths worldwide in 2019.

It stressed the need for accurate public education on alcohol-related health risks, support for people experiencing alcohol-use problems and policies aimed at reducing harmful consumption.

Healthy weight, sleep and stress management

AbdulRauf also identified overweight and obesity as important metabolic risk factors for non-communicable diseases.

He explained that excess body weight was associated with increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, adding that prevention should begin in childhood and continue throughout adulthood.

He stressed that healthy weight management should focus on health and physical functioning rather than appearance alone.

According to the lecture, sustainable weight management is supported by healthy eating, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and avoidance of harmful substances.

The physician further urged Nigerians to pay attention to mental well-being, stress management and sleep, noting that persistent stress could affect sleep patterns, dietary choices, physical activity and other health behaviours.

Relaxation techniques, social support, effective time management and recreational activities were among the strategies identified for supporting well-being.

The presentation also encouraged people experiencing persistent psychological distress to seek appropriate professional assistance.

Routine screening essential for early detection

The consultant emphasised that healthy lifestyle promotion should be complemented by regular health checks and early detection.

He explained that some non-communicable diseases could develop silently for years before symptoms became obvious, meaning that individuals might remain unaware of their conditions until complications occurred.

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He identified regular blood-pressure measurement, blood glucose assessment and appropriate screening based on age, sex, family history and other risk factors as important components of preventive healthcare.

The lecture also advocated cancer screening in line with nationally recommended guidelines and available evidence.

According to AbdulRauf, early detection could enable individuals to receive counselling, treatment and follow-up before diseases progressed to severe complications.

He further advised people already diagnosed with NCDs to take prescribed medications correctly and maintain regular contact with healthcare providers.

The presentation stressed that screening and lifestyle counselling should form part of routine primary healthcare services to improve prevention, early identification and long-term disease management.

Families, communities urged to support prevention

AbdulRauf called for a collective approach to NCD prevention, involving individuals, families, religious organisations, schools, workplaces, healthcare professionals and government institutions.

He explained that families could support healthier living by preparing nutritious meals, encouraging physical activity, maintaining smoke-free homes and helping members sustain positive behavioural changes.

Communities, he said, could organise health education programmes, physical activity initiatives, screening exercises and support groups.

Religious organisations, traditional institutions, community associations and civil society organisations were also identified as important partners in promoting healthy living.

The presentation encouraged healthcare professionals to integrate lifestyle counselling into routine consultations and use primary healthcare facilities for risk assessment, health education, screening, referral and follow-up.

At the policy level, it called for measures that promote healthier food environments, tobacco control, physical activity, clean air and accessible preventive healthcare.

It also identified poverty, limited access to nutritious foods, unsafe environments for exercise, inadequate health information, cultural beliefs, aggressive marketing of unhealthy products, long working hours and limited access to healthcare as barriers to adopting healthier lifestyles.

According to the lecture, addressing these challenges requires cooperation across sectors, including health, education, agriculture, transport, urban planning, finance and environmental management.

Practical steps for healthier living

The physician’s presentation outlined practical measures Nigerians could incorporate into their daily routines to reduce their risk of chronic diseases.

These include increasing the consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains; reducing excessive salt, sugar and unhealthy fats; engaging in regular physical activity; avoiding tobacco; and avoiding harmful alcohol consumption.

It also recommended maintaining a healthy weight, monitoring blood pressure and blood glucose as appropriate, managing stress, getting adequate sleep and participating in recommended preventive screening.

The lecture presented six pillars of lifestyle medicine under the acronym “DREAMS”: diet and nutrition, relationships, exercise, avoidance of risky substances, mental well-being and sleep hygiene.

The framework highlighted the importance of combining healthy eating and physical activity with positive social relationships, psychological well-being, adequate rest and avoidance of harmful substances.

The presentation also emphasised that healthy behaviours should be promoted throughout life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood and old age.

Prevention described as shared responsibility

In its concluding message, the lecture stated that although genetic, environmental and social factors influence NCDs, many of their major risk factors could be modified through appropriate lifestyle choices and supportive public health interventions.

It stressed that the successful prevention and control of these diseases would require more than individual motivation, noting that people needed access to affordable nutritious foods, safe spaces for physical activity, appropriate healthcare services and supportive social environments.

The presentation called on governments to strengthen policies and health systems that support healthier food choices, physical activity, tobacco control, clean air and preventive healthcare.

It also urged healthcare professionals and community organisations to help translate health information into practical steps that individuals and families could sustain over time.

The central message of the webinar was that preventing non-communicable diseases requires a combination of personal responsibility, community participation, effective healthcare services and supportive public policies.

By encouraging healthier habits and improving access to prevention and early detection, the lecture noted, individuals and communities could work towards longer, healthier and more productive lives.