PFIPC: FG Extends Fake Agency Probe to IPPIS

The Federal Government has ordered a forensic investigation of its government systems, including the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, IPPIS, following the discovery of more suspected fake government agencies.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this on Thursday after the Federal Executive Council, FEC, considered an interim report from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, on the fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, PFIPC.

Oyedele said President Bola Tinubu briefed the council on the findings of the ICPC and directed that the investigation should go beyond the fake agency already identified.

The review will examine government processes, payroll systems and other internal controls that may have allowed unauthorised agencies to operate within the public system.

The investigation is expected to determine how the suspected fake agencies were able to obtain official government codes and gain access to government systems.

The minister explained that the exercise would also help the government identify weaknesses in its procedures and establish how similar incidents could be prevented in the future.

According to him, the discovery of additional fake agencies showed the need for a wider review of government processes rather than limiting the investigation to the PFIPC case.

The forensic team will therefore examine the systems and procedures involved, including the controls that should normally prevent unauthorised entities from being created or recognised within government records.

Oyedele said the government wants to establish what went wrong, identify those responsible where necessary and put stronger measures in place to prevent a repeat of the situation.

The review will also cover the IPPIS, a major government platform used for managing personnel and payroll information across the public service.

The minister said strengthening government systems was important whenever weaknesses were discovered, adding that the administration intends to address identified problems through proper investigations and corrective measures.

The latest development follows the ICPC’s ongoing investigation into the fake PFIPC and the discovery that other questionable agencies may also exist within government records.

The Federal Government is expected to use the findings of the forensic investigation to improve its internal controls and make government systems more secure and reliable.

The exercise could also provide information on how fake or unauthorised agencies were able to obtain official recognition and codes, while helping the government close loopholes that could be exploited for fraud or other abuses.

The investigation is part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen public financial management and ensure that government payroll and administrative systems contain only legitimate institutions and personnel.