The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee probing the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has decried the refusal of some heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to honour its summons.
Speaking shortly after plenary on Tuesday, the committee described the absence of key government officials as a setback to its ongoing investigation into the council’s activities.
The panel also faulted the absence of Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele, who sent a ministry official to represent him, insisting that summoned officials must appear in person or face further legislative action.
Committee Chairman Yusuf Gagdi warned that the panel would not tolerate non-compliance with its directives and stressed the need for full cooperation from all individuals and institutions tied to the probe.
The committee further summoned Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to explain how the PFIPC allegedly operated despite concerns raised over its legitimacy. Lawmakers said their appearance would help establish the circumstances surrounding the council’s operations.
Separately, the House called for a comprehensive investigation into the losses, casualties and abandoned properties suffered by Nigerians in recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, and urged the Federal Government to deepen diplomatic engagement and bilateral cooperation to protect Nigerians there.
The resolution followed a motion by Babajimi Benson (Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Lagos State), adopted under Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, mandating the Committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to document the losses and recommend protective measures.
