Editorial: The PFIPC controversy cannot be swept aside

The controversy over the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) is no longer just about one person or one government office. It is about how Nigeria’s public institutions work and whether the system is strong enough to stop mistakes, fraud or abuse.

The Presidency has made its position clear. It said the PFIPC is not a government agency. It also said the man who claimed to be its Director-General forged documents, impersonated government officials and is already facing criminal charges in court. The government has therefore asked Nigerians to wait for the court to decide the case.

But that is only one side of the story.

The bigger question many Nigerians are asking is simple: if the PFIPC does not exist, how did its name appear in the 2026 federal budget with over ₦1.3 billion allocated to it? Budget documents do not appear by magic. They pass through many government offices before they are approved by the National Assembly and signed into law.

This is why the issue deserves a full and transparent investigation. If the agency was wrongly inserted into the budget, Nigerians deserve to know who did it and how it happened. If there were failures in the budget process, those responsible should be held accountable. If there was forgery or fraud, the law should take its full course. If public officers were negligent, they should also answer for it.

Silence or denial alone cannot restore public confidence. The PFIPC controversy also exposes weaknesses in government record-keeping and oversight. How can an organisation allegedly operate, hold meetings, interact with officials and attract public attention before questions are raised? Whether these activities were based on forged documents or administrative failures, the situation points to gaps that must be closed.

Nigeria cannot afford such confusion. Investors, foreign governments and development partners expect clear and trustworthy institutions. When there is uncertainty over whether a government body is genuine, it damages the country’s image and raises doubts about official processes. Trust is one of the most valuable assets any government can have.

This is why the government should go beyond defending itself. It should publish all relevant documents, explain how the disputed council appeared in the budget, and tell Nigerians what reforms are being introduced to stop such a controversy from happening again. Transparency is always better than suspicion.

The National Assembly also has an important role. Lawmakers approved the budget. Their oversight responsibility does not end after passing an appropriation bill. They should independently examine how the disputed allocation entered the budget and make their findings public. That is part of their constitutional duty.

At the same time, everyone must respect the legal process. Allegations are not proof. The accused deserves a fair hearing, just as the government deserves the opportunity to present its evidence. Public opinion should not replace the courts.

In the end, this controversy is about more than the PFIPC. It is about accountability. It is about protecting public money. It is about making sure government institutions work the way they should.

Nigerians deserve clear answers, not because of politics, but because public trust depends on them.