The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has criticised the failure of several heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to honour its summons, describing their absence as a setback to its ongoing investigation.

The committee expressed its displeasure shortly after Tuesday’s plenary, insisting that all invited public officials must appear before it in person to account for matters relating to the council’s operations.

The panel also faulted the absence of the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, who was represented by an official of the ministry. The committee maintained that such representation was unacceptable and warned that continued non-compliance with its directives could attract further legislative action.

Chairman of the committee, Rep. Yusuf Gagdi, stressed that the panel would not tolerate disregard for its summons, emphasising that the investigation required the full cooperation of all relevant individuals and institutions.

As part of its ongoing inquiry, the committee summoned the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to explain how the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council allegedly operated despite concerns over its legal status.

According to the committee, the appearance of both officials will assist lawmakers in establishing the circumstances surrounding the council’s operations and addressing issues arising from the investigation.

The PFIPC has come under intense legislative scrutiny, with the House panel seeking clarifications from relevant government officials and agencies over its activities, legal foundation, and operational procedures.

Also during Tuesday’s plenary, the House of Representatives called for a comprehensive investigation into the losses, casualties, and abandoned properties of Nigerians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagement with South Africa, pursue appropriate legal measures, and strengthen bilateral cooperation to ensure the safety and protection of Nigerians residing in the country.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Rep. Babajimi Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, during the plenary presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

The motion mandates the House Committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to document the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians during the attacks, compile an inventory of abandoned properties, and recommend diplomatic and legal measures to strengthen the protection of Nigerians living in South Africa.

Lawmakers argued that a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the attacks is necessary to support affected Nigerians and improve the country’s response to similar incidents in the future.