Fresh questions have emerged over the alleged PFIPC budget code controversy. Babachir Lawal says the matter deserves a judicial inquiry, claiming a major financial racket could be behind it.
ABUJA, NIGERIA — Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, has called for a judicial inquiry into the alleged PFIPC budget code scandal, saying he suspects a major financial racket may be behind the agency’s inclusion in the federal budget. Lawal made the remarks while reacting to reports surrounding the alleged existence of the agency and its budget allocation.
According to Lawal, the controversy raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public finance management. He argued that authorities should determine how the agency allegedly received a budget code and identify those responsible for any irregularities. He maintained that only an independent judicial inquiry can establish the facts and restore public confidence.
Lawal said the issue goes beyond administrative error and should be treated as a matter of national importance. He alleged that there could be a coordinated network behind the controversy and urged relevant institutions to investigate every stage of the budget process. He added that Nigerians deserve a full explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding the alleged agency and its budgetary provisions.
The PFIPC controversy has attracted attention following reports questioning the agency’s legal status and its appearance in budget documents. Public discussions have focused on how government agencies receive budget allocations and the oversight mechanisms designed to prevent irregularities in the appropriation process. Government authorities have continued to face calls for greater transparency in the management of public funds.
The development means pressure is likely to increase on the relevant government institutions to clarify the status of the alleged PFIPC agency and explain how it appeared in the budget. A judicial inquiry, if approved, could examine the budget preparation process, identify any procedural failures and recommend measures to strengthen accountability in Nigeria’s public finance system. As of the time of this report, the Federal Government had not issued a fresh response to Lawal’s latest comments.
