Senate Puts Probe of Controversial N1.3bn Budget Allocation on Hold, Awaits ICPC Report

The Senate on Wednesday stepped back from launching an immediate investigation into the controversial inclusion of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) in the 2026 Appropriation Act, opting instead to await the outcome of an ongoing probe by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The decision followed a motion raised by Senator Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South, who sought an inquiry into how the agency, reportedly disowned by the executive arm of government, secured a budget allocation of N1.3 billion in the 2026 national budget.

Sumaila brought the matter before the Senate as an urgent issue of national importance, arguing that the development had raised serious concerns about the credibility and transparency of Nigeria’s budget process.

However, his presentation was interrupted by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over plenary. Barau noted that the issue should have been presented as a substantive motion rather than under matters of urgent public importance.

Despite the procedural objection, Sumaila maintained that the controversy surrounding the PFIPC had cast a shadow over the integrity of the appropriation process. He pointed out that although the executive had publicly distanced itself from the agency, it still appeared in the 2026 budget under code 0111062001 with an allocation of N1.3 billion.

According to the lawmaker, the budget provision included more than N800 million earmarked for personnel costs, over N200 million for overhead expenses, and upwards of N300 million for capital projects.

He warned that the appearance of what many regard as a non-existent agency in the national budget could erode public trust and expose gaps in both budget preparation and legislative oversight.

“The inclusion of a purportedly non-existent agency in the Appropriation Act raises fundamental questions about the integrity of the budgeting process,” Sumaila argued, urging lawmakers to investigate how the allocation was proposed, reviewed, justified and ultimately approved.

The senator also called for a detailed examination of whether any funds had already been released, committed, or spent under the budget line, as well as whether any bank accounts had been opened or operated in connection with the allocation.

Responding to the concerns, Barau disclosed that the Presidency had already directed the ICPC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter and that the anti-corruption agency had commenced its work.

He said the Senate would refrain from taking parallel action until the commission concludes its findings.

“The Presidency has taken up this matter by directing the ICPC to investigate fully how this issue arose, and the commission has already begun its work,” Barau told lawmakers.

“At this stage, the most appropriate course is to await the ICPC report. Once it is submitted, the Senate will review its findings and determine the necessary steps to take.”

The development has added another layer of scrutiny to the 2026 budget, with questions mounting over how an agency reportedly lacking official recognition found its way into the nation’s spending plan with a multi-billion-naira allocation.