By Rukevwe Odeh

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has acknowledged shortcomings in the document verification process that led to approvals connected to the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

She made the admission while appearing before the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating the activities of the disputed council. According to her, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service relied on documents presented by officials claiming to represent the PFIPC, including an alleged establishment law and appointment letter, without carrying out adequate independent verification.

Walson-Jack explained that the office subsequently issued an authorised establishment and a recruitment waiver based on those submissions. However, after reviewing the matter in greater detail, she admitted that more rigorous checks should have been conducted before the approvals were granted.

She noted that the existence of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), an already recognised ad hoc body, may have contributed to the confusion because the documents presented carried the combined name “PEAC/PFIPC.” She maintained that proper scrutiny could have revealed concerns about the authenticity of the documents.

Meanwhile, the House committee indicated it is preparing to conclude its investigation without hearing directly from the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, or the self-proclaimed PFIPC Director-General, Adeyemi Adeniyi. Instead, lawmakers said they would rely on documentary evidence and reports from security agencies before releasing preliminary findings next week.

The committee also confirmed that it is awaiting the outcome of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) investigation, which President Bola Tinubu ordered to be completed within 30 days. The deadline for that report is expected next week.

During the hearing, representatives of the Nigeria Police Force informed lawmakers that Adeyemi could not be produced before the committee because he remains in custody under a valid court order. Police officials said they would require a fresh court directive before releasing him to appear before the lawmakers.

Committee Chairman Yusuf Gagdi accepted the explanation, assuring the police that the panel would obtain the necessary legal authorisation. He also stressed that the committee would continue working with agencies including the ICPC, EFCC, DSS and the Office of the National Security Adviser before submitting its final report.

The investigation has also uncovered several documents suspected to have been forged in connection with the PFIPC, raising further concerns over the processes that enabled the organisation to gain apparent official recognition.

Reacting to the ongoing probe, the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) argued that the House investigation should not duplicate the ICPC’s work. The group’s chairman, Debo Adeniran, urged all relevant authorities to cooperate with the anti-graft agency, saying those found culpable should face the law while innocent parties should be cleared through a transparent investigation.