The Budget Office of the Federation has defended the inclusion of funds for the Presidential Fiscal Policy and International Partnerships Committee (PFIPC) in the 2026 budget, dismissing claims that it is a “fake agency” and insisting the body was established during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The clarification comes amid growing public scrutiny over budget allocations to the committee, with critics questioning its legal status and the justification for its funding in the current fiscal year.
Responding to the controversy, the Budget Office explained that the PFIPC is not a newly created institution under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but rather a body that originated under the previous administration before undergoing restructuring.
According to the agency, the committee’s inclusion in the budget follows established government procedures and is tied to its responsibilities in fiscal policy coordination and international partnerships.
The Budget Office stressed that suggestions describing the PFIPC as a non-existent or unauthorized agency are misleading, maintaining that its origins can be traced back to the Buhari administration.
The explanation comes as Nigerians continue to closely examine allocations contained in the 2026 federal budget following recent allegations of budget padding and the insertion of projects outside the mandates of several government agencies.
The controversy has fueled broader conversations about transparency, accountability and public spending, with civil society organizations and opposition figures calling for greater scrutiny of government expenditures.
Budget experts note that debates over the legal status and funding of government committees often arise during the budget process, especially when questions are raised about their statutory backing and operational mandates.
As of the time of filing this report, the Budget Office maintained that the PFIPC remains a legitimate government body and that its budgetary allocation complies with existing administrative processes.
The latest clarification is expected to intensify discussions over the management of public funds as lawmakers, policy analysts and citizens continue to review the details of the 2026 Appropriation Act and demand greater openness in government spending.
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