Babachir Lawal queries budget allocation to non-existent PFIPC agency
On Monday, July 6, 2026, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal told Arise Television’s Prime Time that the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council ("PFIPC") appears to be a non‑existent agency yet received a budget allocation, calling it an institutional compromise and a racket. Lawal questioned how a budget could be approved for an agency that lacks legislative backing, and alleged that Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, received ₦400 million through a proxy and later sought an additional ₦200 million to secure his appointment. The presidency rebutted the claims, stating that Gbajabiamila lacks the authority to write letters or make appointments.
This matter matters because it raises serious doubts about the integrity of Nigeria’s budget process. If funds can be allocated to a phantom agency, it suggests possible breaches of legislative oversight, opening the door to misappropriation of public money that could otherwise fund health, education or infrastructure. The scandal also feeds growing public distrust in government institutions ahead of the 2027 elections, highlighting the need for robust accountability mechanisms.
Presidency officials deny any wrongdoing, insisting the Chief of Staff cannot authorize such payments. Citizens should demand transparent explanations from the National Assembly, monitor the work of anti‑corruption bodies like the EFCC and ICPC, and consider how strengthened oversight could prevent similar fiscal irregularities. Given these allegations, how should Nigerians push for stronger budget scrutiny and accountability to protect public funds?