The National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, described by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as a fake agency, reportedly operated for years from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
The outfit claimed it had Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval dating back to 2017, during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. However, the ICPC said the office had no presidential authorisation and was operating contrary to existing laws.
ICPC Uncovers Alleged Fake Office
ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, disclosed the discovery while briefing State House correspondents in Abuja. He said the commission uncovered the office during its investigation into the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and other weaknesses in the public service. According to Aliyu, the alleged office had secured space within the OSGF premises despite lacking the required approval.
He identified George Nwabueze as the promoter of the office. The ICPC chairman also alleged that Nwabueze operated under several names with the suspected support of some senior public servants.
Promoter Operated Under Multiple Names
Aliyu said the commission found that Nwabueze used several variations of his name. They included George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze, Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze. The organisation’s website also listed Nwabueze George as its Executive Director and National Coordinator.
Website Claimed 2017 FEC Approval
The office maintained a website that presented it as a federal government initiative. It claimed that the FEC approved a national campaign to promote Made-in-Nigeria products at a meeting held on February 1, 2017, under the Buhari administration. The website also identified the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as the implementing ministry.
In addition, the platform referenced a purported bill to establish the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Promotion Commission. The organisation listed several responsibilities, including supporting local brands, promoting Nigerian products and reviving inactive factories.
Agency Created Nationwide Structure
The alleged agency also created a nationwide leadership structure. Its national leadership included Dr Bassey B. Unaowo, Dr Hajara Njidda Amoni and Nwabueze. It also appointed zonal directors for different parts of the country.
At the state level, the organisation appointed coordinators across several states. Each coordinator used the title “State Coordinator, National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project Office.” The structure also used official-looking green and white insignia bearing the words “National Brands Development, The Presidency, Made in Nigeria.”
Social Media Presence
The organisation also maintained social media accounts under the handle “@pmainpro” on platforms including Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn. The online presence appeared designed to present the organisation as an established national government initiative. However, the ICPC said its investigation found that the office lacked presidential approval.
Tinubu Orders Arrest, Suspensions
Following the ICPC briefing, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate arrest of Nwabueze. The President also directed the suspension of three Permanent Secretaries pending the outcome of the investigation. They are M.S. Danjuma, Engr Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah.
Aliyu said the ICPC had contacted officials of the OSGF to determine how the alleged fake office obtained space within the government secretariat. He added that investigators would examine the roles of the suspended officials and other people linked to the organisation.
The ICPC chairman said the investigation would continue as the commission worked to establish how the alleged office operated for years within a federal government complex.
Read also: Tinubu Orders Arrest, Suspends 3 Perm Secs Over Fake Agency
