The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has been cleared of wrongdoing over allegations linked to his office. Gbajabiamila made the disclosure at the 2026 Gbaja Mega Empowerment programme in Lagos, where residents of Surulere received various forms of assistance. The programme aimed to support small businesses and improve transportation in the area. Gbajabiamila reflected on the allegations and the scrutiny that followed, stating that the experience had tested him personally and professionally.
Gbajabiamila said investigations conducted by the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) eventually cleared him of any wrongdoing. The investigative reports are in the public domain, according to Gbajabiamila. He commended President Tinubu for allowing the investigative process to run its course instead of reaching a conclusion based solely on the allegations. This, Gbajabiamila said, demonstrated President Tinubu's commitment to due process.
The controversy arose from investigations into the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), an organisation the Presidency said was not established by the federal government. President Tinubu had directed the ICPC in July to investigate how the purported council operated and to examine related allegations. Gbajabiamila subsequently appeared before ICPC investigators on July 20 as part of the probe. The commission said at the time that he was invited to assist investigators and was not arrested.
A House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the PFIPC controversy said in its preliminary report found no evidence that Gbajabiamila established, authorised or participated in the activities of the purported organisation. The committee said evidence before it indicated that he had taken steps to alert security and investigative agencies after concerns about the organisation were brought to his attention. Gbajabiamila said the allegations had not distracted him from carrying out his responsibilities as Chief of Staff.
At the 2026 Gbaja Mega Empowerment programme, Gbajabiamila empowered 5000 Surulere residents with electric vehicles for e-hailing, minibuses, tricycles, and financial assistance for small businesses. The programme is part of efforts to support the local community and promote economic growth. Gbajabiamila said the initiative was aimed at improving the lives of residents and providing opportunities for entrepreneurship.
Gbajabiamila also spoke about the challenges associated with public service, particularly for individuals aspiring to occupy high political offices. He said the experience had taught him that sometimes, this is the high price one has to pay and sacrifice one has to make. Gbajabiamila urged young people not to be discouraged by such challenges, saying that they should remain committed to their goals and values.
The Chief of Staff said that no amount of money, blackmail, or lies would detract him from his work and the tasks assigned to him by President Tinubu. Gbajabiamila expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for his support and guidance throughout the process. The event was attended by various stakeholders and residents of Surulere, who expressed their appreciation for the empowerment programme.
Key points
- Femi Gbajabiamila cleared of wrongdoing over PFIPC scandal
- Gbajabiamila empowers 5000 Surulere residents with vehicles, financial assistance
- Programme aims to support small businesses, improve transportation in Surulere
