The National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, which the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has described as an alleged fake agency, reportedly operated for years while presenting itself as a legitimate Federal Government outfit.
The organisation claimed on its website that its activities were backed by a 2017 Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval under former President Muhammadu Buhari, while also establishing a network of national, zonal and state coordinators across the country.
The development comes days after ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, disclosed that the commission had uncovered the organisation operating from office space within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) without presidential authorisation.
According to Aliyu, the agency was promoted by George Nwabueze, who allegedly operated under several variations of his name and may have had the support of some senior public servants.
The ICPC chairman said the discovery was made during investigations into the alleged fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and other weaknesses within the public service.
A profile on the organisation’s website identified Nwabueze as its “Executive Director, National Coordinator”, while also listing several officials in its leadership structure.
The website claimed the organisation had a seven-point mandate focused on promoting Nigerian brands, reviving moribund industries, supporting local manufacturers, combating counterfeit products and organising trade fairs and exhibitions.
It also cited what it described as a 2017 FEC approval for a “National Campaign to Sensitize Nigerians on the Patronage of Made-in-Nigeria Products”, allegedly approved at the Presidential Villa on February 1, 2017, with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment listed as the implementing ministry.
However, the ICPC has said the organisation was not authorised by the President.
The organisation also claimed legislative backing, citing a purported “National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Promotion Commission Act, 2025” on its website.
Nationwide structure
The alleged agency had established a nationwide structure comprising zonal and state coordinators, with officials appointed across several geopolitical zones.
Its listed leadership included Bassey B. Unaowo, described as Special Assistant to the Permanent Secretary on Political and Economic Affairs in the OSGF; Hajara Njidda Amoni, listed as Director of National Administration; and Nwabueze as national coordinator.
It also named Oladunjoye Musiliua as Zonal Director for the South-West, Hafsat Sahabi Dange for the North and Ugochi Akudo Nwosu for the South-East.
The website listed state coordinators in 20 states, including Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger, Benue, Kogi, Bauchi, Delta, Abia, Anambra, Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Oyo.
Some of the listed individuals were presented with official-looking titles and insignia bearing the words “The Presidency” and “Made in Nigeria”.
The organisation also maintained social media accounts across platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn, further portraying itself as a functioning national government initiative.
Tinubu orders arrest, suspensions
Following the ICPC briefing, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate arrest of Nwabueze and the suspension of three permanent secretaries pending investigation.
They are M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah.
Aliyu said the commission was investigating how the organisation secured office accommodation within the OSGF premises and the roles allegedly played by public officials and others connected to the structure.
The ICPC chairman said the investigation would continue to determine how the alleged fake agency operated for years and whether officials within government facilitated its activities.
“I have briefed Mr President comprehensively on these new developments. ICPC will continue with its investigations accordingly,” Aliyu said.
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