PFIPC Scandal Deepens as Head of Service Appears Before House Committee

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, appeared before the House of Representatives on Monday to answer questions on the PFIPC scandal. This is a major development in the ongoing saga, which involves allegations of corruption and embezzlement worth billions of naira.

The PFIPC scandal made headlines when the self-acclaimed ‘director-general’ of the disputed agency, Adeniyi Adeyemi, made some explosive allegations during a press conference. According to Adeyemi, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, demanded a 48% kickback from the agency's ₦27.3 billion take-off grant. He alleged that Gbajabiamila received ₦400 million through a proxy, while demanding an additional ₦200 million to facilitate presidential approvals.

Gbajabiamila, however, denied all the allegations in a statement on oath. He said he had no personal, official, or professional relationship with the disputed agency and maintained that he was not involved in any wrongdoing.

The PFIPC saga is not just about allegations of corruption; it is also about the establishment of an agency that many lawmakers say is illegal. According to the 2026 Appropriation Act, ₦1.3 billion was allocated to the PFIPC, sparking protests from lawmakers who claimed that the agency was not properly established and was therefore not eligible for such a large sum of money.

The House of Representatives has set up an ad hoc committee to probe the circumstances surrounding the establishment of the PFIPC and the alleged allocation of ₦1.3 billion to an illegal government agency. The committee is also expected to look into the process through which the PFIPC was included in the 2026 budget.

The ongoing probe is a major blow to President Bola Tinubu's administration, which is already grappling with several other scandals. The President has promised to take the allegations seriously and ensure that those found guilty are brought to book.

A key witness in the ongoing probe is the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. His statement on oath has been submitted to the committee, and he is expected to appear before the panel soon.

The PFIPC scandal is just one of several high-profile corruption cases that are ongoing in Nigeria. The country is also grappling with the Oronsaye Report, which recommends the dissolution of over 100 government agencies due to their inefficiency and corruption.

The probe into the PFIPC scandal is expected to run for several weeks, and many Nigerians are eagerly waiting to see the outcome.

₦1.3 billion: The amount allocated to the PFIPC in the 2026 Appropriation Act

₦27.3 billion: The take-off grant allocated to the PFIPC

48%: The alleged kickback demanded by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila

₦400 million: The amount allegedly received by Femi Gbajabiamila through a proxy

₦200 million: The additional amount allegedly demanded by Femi Gbajabiamila to facilitate presidential approvals

2026: The year in which the PFIPC was allegedly established

Femi Gbajabiamila: The Chief of Staff to the President who is at the center of the PFIPC scandal

Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack: The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation who appeared before the House of Representatives committee