The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has clarified that the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) does not operate any account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and has not received government funds.

The clarification comes as investigations continue into the activities of the council, which the Presidency has repeatedly described as a non-existent government agency.

OAGF addresses funding claims

In a statement, the OAGF said the PFIPC “has no operational account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)” and “received no funds.”

The clarification follows growing public scrutiny over how the council reportedly operated from an office within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, employed staff and carried out official activities despite being disowned by the Presidency.

Presidency disowned council

The controversy began after the Presidency announced that the PFIPC was not a recognised government institution.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had alleged that Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely claimed to have been appointed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, using forged documents.

Adeyemi was subsequently arrested and charged with forgery and impersonation before being granted bail. He has denied the allegations and insists his appointment was genuine.

Budget allocation raises questions

The controversy deepened after reports revealed that the PFIPC appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a budget allocation exceeding ₦1.3 billion for personnel, overhead and capital projects.

The revelation has triggered calls for investigations into how the agency was included in the national budget despite the Presidency’s position that it does not exist.

Civil society organisations and political groups have also demanded greater transparency over the approval process and possible involvement of public officials.

Questions remain

While the OAGF maintains that no government funds were released to the PFIPC through the CBN, questions remain over how the council allegedly financed its operations, maintained offices and conducted official activities.

The matter is expected to remain under investigation as legal proceedings against Adeyemi continue.