Furore in Nigeria over fake federal agency set up in government HQ

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an investigation into how the fake agency came to be. Photograph: Gbemiga Olamikan/APView image in fullscreenPresident Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an investigation into how the fake agency came to be. Photograph: Gbemiga Olamikan/APFurore in Nigeria over fake federal agency set up in government HQPresident orders investigation after fictitious body given funding, triggering renewed scrutiny of alleged corruption

A fictitious federal entity that was allocated 1.3bn naira (£700,000) in Nigeria’s 2026 budget has precipitated a political storm in Africa’s largest democracy in the run-up to a general election set for January.

The fake agency came to light last October when Femi Gbajabiamila, the president’s chief of staff, wrote to the police alleging that his signature, along with official seals and reference numbers, had been forged by Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who was claiming to have been appointed by the presidency to head the presidential foreign intervention promotion council (PFIPC).

The case is due to be heard in a court in the capital, Abuja, on 27 July, more than six months after the police filed an eight-count charge including criminal forgery, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence against Adeyemi and two others.

In a 1 July statement, the Nigerian presidency also claimed Adeyemi had met ambassadors without the knowledge of the foreign affairs ministry and misled the country’s accountant-general’s office into opening accounts for PFIPC with the central bank and 33 commercial banks.

The actual Nigerian investment promotion council had also reportedly raised an alarm about the similarities with the PFIPC.

Apart from being included in the budget, the PFIPC was also allocated office space in the federal secretariat in Abuja, a huge complex housing the headquarters of Nigeria’s civil service and many government ministries and agencies.

That has raised questions about how Adeyemi was able to gain access, with some critics speculating collusion with officials at the highest echelons of government.

“Politicians and members of the public who are weaponising Adeyemi’s claim against the chief of staff should refrain from swallowing his narrative hook, line and sinker,” the presidency statement said, defending Gbajabiamila.

Local reports say Adeyemi has claimed he was given the appointment letter by Gbajabiamila, who has denied knowing him or ever being in touch.

On Monday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the independent corrupt practices and other related offences commission (ICPC) to open a probe. Days later, a Senate motion to independently investigate the presidential foreign intervention promotion council (PFIPC) did not pass.

Meanwhile the House of Representatives set up a committee to question Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the minister of budget and economic planning.

The presidency and supporters of the ruling party have pointed out that Adeyemi had previously misrepresented himself as the newly elected president-general of a UN youth agency called World Youth Organisation back in 2017.

His aides had said he was seeking permission from the UN security council to appoint staff across the world.

Read more“The 967 nominees will work with my office across the globe,” one of his representatives was quoted as saying in Nigerian daily Punch. “This will enable the organisation to function effectively and bring coordination across the world.”