The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has resolved to interrogate the Director-General of the agency, Aderemi Matthew Adeyemi, at an undisclosed location as part of its ongoing probe into the council’s legal status, operations and activities.
The committee announced the decision on Tuesday, stating that the private venue was chosen to uphold the constitutional principle of separation of powers while enabling lawmakers to carry out their oversight responsibilities effectively.
The development marks another phase in the House’s investigation into the controversial council, whose existence, legal foundation and activities have come under scrutiny by lawmakers.
Committee Cites Constitutional Principles
According to the committee, holding the interrogation outside the National Assembly complex is intended to ensure that constitutional safeguards are respected throughout the investigative process.
The lawmakers explained that the arrangement reflects their commitment to conducting a fair, transparent and lawful inquiry while avoiding any action that could be interpreted as undermining the constitutional relationship between the legislative and executive arms of government.
The committee maintained that the decision should not be viewed as an attempt to shield the proceedings from public scrutiny but rather as a procedural measure designed to protect the integrity of the investigation.
It added that the Director-General would be given the opportunity to respond to all issues and present relevant documents or explanations concerning the activities of the purported council.
Focus of the Investigation
The House panel is investigating the establishment, legal authority and operational framework of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an entity that has generated questions over its status and mandate.
Lawmakers are expected to examine whether the council was lawfully established, the extent of its statutory authority, the source of its funding and the nature of its engagements with investors and government institutions.
The investigation is also expected to clarify whether the council operates under any existing federal law or executive approval and whether its activities overlap with those of established government agencies responsible for investment promotion.
The committee said its findings would help determine whether there were any breaches of existing laws or administrative procedures in the creation and operation of the body.
Oversight Responsibility of the House
The House of Representatives has repeatedly affirmed its constitutional mandate to investigate matters relating to public administration, government agencies and institutions in the interest of accountability and transparency.
Under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National Assembly has powers to conduct investigations into the administration of laws, the disbursement of public funds and the performance of government agencies where such inquiries are considered necessary for effective legislation or oversight.
The ad hoc committee stated that its investigation falls within these constitutional responsibilities and is aimed at establishing the facts surrounding the purported investment council.
It stressed that the exercise is not intended to prejudge any individual or institution but to ensure that all relevant issues are thoroughly examined before conclusions are reached.
DG to Answer Questions
Although the committee did not disclose the date, time or venue of the interrogation, it confirmed that Director-General Aderemi Matthew Adeyemi would be invited to answer questions relating to the council’s operations.
Lawmakers are expected to seek clarification on several issues, including the legal basis for the council’s establishment, its organisational structure, funding arrangements and relationship with other federal agencies involved in investment promotion.
The committee may also request official records and supporting documents to aid its investigation.
Officials of the council are expected to provide explanations regarding the objectives of the organisation, its achievements and the authority under which it has operated.
Why the Venue Was Not Disclosed
The committee explained that withholding details of the interrogation venue was a deliberate decision intended to preserve the integrity of the investigative process.
According to the lawmakers, conducting the engagement at an undisclosed location would allow members to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without unnecessary distractions or external influence.
They also noted that the arrangement reflects respect for constitutional boundaries between the legislative and executive arms of government while ensuring the investigation proceeds in an orderly manner.
The committee insisted that due process would be observed throughout the proceedings and that all parties involved would be treated fairly.
Importance of Investment Promotion
Investment promotion remains a critical component of Nigeria’s economic development strategy, with successive governments implementing policies aimed at attracting both domestic and foreign investors.
Federal agencies such as the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) are legally mandated to promote and facilitate investment into the country by providing information, incentives and support services to investors.
The emergence of any additional body performing similar functions naturally raises questions about institutional coordination, legal authority and policy consistency, making legislative oversight particularly important.
Analysts note that clearly defined mandates among government institutions are essential for maintaining investor confidence and avoiding duplication of responsibilities.
Possible Outcomes of the Probe
The interrogation of the PFIPC Director-General is expected to shape the committee’s final report to the House of Representatives.
Depending on its findings, the committee may recommend legislative action, administrative reforms or further investigations where necessary.
If the panel identifies procedural or legal irregularities, it could also propose measures to strengthen oversight of government agencies and ensure compliance with existing laws governing the establishment and operation of public institutions.
Conversely, if the investigation finds that the council acted within the law, the committee may recommend measures to improve transparency and public understanding of its functions.
Awaiting Further Developments
The House committee has assured the public that the investigation will be conducted professionally, objectively and in accordance with the Constitution.
It reiterated that the inquiry is intended to establish facts rather than assign blame and urged members of the public to allow the investigative process to run its course.
As attention turns to the forthcoming interrogation of Director-General Aderemi Matthew Adeyemi, stakeholders will be watching closely for the committee’s findings and any recommendations that may emerge from the probe.
The House of Representatives is expected to receive the committee’s report after the conclusion of its investigation, which could provide greater clarity on the legal status, operations and future of the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.
More details are expected as the investigation progresses.
