The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria's public institutions following the submission of its interim report on the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
The commission stated that the investigation was conducted to establish the facts surrounding claims that the council was operating as a federal government institution. According to the ICPC, its findings showed that the organisation had no legal status within the structure of the Federal Government and was not recognised by any authorised government agency.
ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, said the commission's investigation involved detailed verification of official records, interviews with relevant officials and scrutiny of documents presented by individuals associated with the purported council. The exercise, he said, was aimed at ensuring that the public receives accurate information based on verifiable facts.
The commission maintained that no evidence was discovered to suggest that the Presidency authorised the establishment or activities of the alleged council. It added that government institutions contacted during the investigation consistently denied issuing the documents or approvals relied upon by the promoters of the organisation.
The anti-graft agency noted that the findings would form part of efforts to strengthen accountability within the public service and discourage individuals from exploiting the names of government institutions for personal or financial gain. It stressed that preserving public confidence in government remains a key responsibility of law enforcement and oversight agencies.
The ICPC also urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt more robust verification systems for official correspondence and appointments, saying improved coordination among government institutions would reduce opportunities for forgery, impersonation and other fraudulent practices.
As legal and administrative processes continue, the commission assured Nigerians that it remains committed to conducting impartial investigations and ensuring that anyone found to have violated the law is brought before the appropriate authorities. It added that the outcome of the investigation should serve as a deterrent to individuals seeking to misuse government identity or undermine the credibility of public institutions.
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