A fake federal agency that received 1.3bn naira in Nigeria's 2026 budget has sparked a political storm, with President Bola Tinubu ordering an investigation ahead of a general election set for January.
Key facts
- A fictitious federal entity was allocated 1.3bn naira (about £700,000) in Nigeria's 2026 budget, according to the Guardian.
- President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the matter.
- The fake agency came to light last October when the president's chief of staff alleged his signature had been forged.
- Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew is accused of claiming a presidential appointment to head the fictitious council.
- A general election is set for January, per the Guardian.
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, according to the Guardian. The controversy comes in the run-up to a general election set for January.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation after the fictitious body was given funding, triggering renewed scrutiny of alleged corruption, the Guardian reported.
The fake agency came to light last October when Femi Gbajabiamila, the president’s chief of staff, wrote to the police. He alleged that his signature, along with official seals and reference numbers, had been forged.
According to the Guardian, the alleged forgery was carried out by Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who was claiming to have been appointed by the presidency to head the presidential foreign intervention promotion council (PFIPC).
The emergence of the fictitious agency has renewed scrutiny of alleged corruption in Nigeria, with the timing of the storm coinciding with preparations for the general election set for January.
Why it matters
The allocation of public money to a fictitious agency raises serious questions about oversight of Nigeria's national budget in Africa's largest democracy. Coming ahead of a general election, the affair puts renewed pressure on President Bola Tinubu over allegations of corruption.
Frequently asked questions
How much money was allocated to the fake agency?
According to the Guardian, the fictitious federal entity was allocated 1.3bn naira (about £700,000) in Nigeria's 2026 budget.
How was the fake agency discovered?
It came to light last October when the president's chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, wrote to the police alleging that his signature, official seals and reference numbers had been forged.
Who is accused in connection with the fake agency?
Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew is accused of claiming to have been appointed by the presidency to head the presidential foreign intervention promotion council (PFIPC).