The National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, described by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as an alleged fake agency, reportedly operated for years within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
The organisation allegedly presented itself as a legitimate federal government agency and claimed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved its activities in 2017, during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The agency also reportedly created a nationwide administrative structure, including zonal directors and state coordinators, apparently designed to reflect Nigeria’s Federal Character Principle.
ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, disclosed the discovery to State House correspondents in Abuja. He said the commission uncovered the organisation while investigating the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and other weaknesses within the public service.
According to Aliyu, the alleged fake office was operating under the name National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office and had been allocated office space within the OSGF premises without lawful authorisation.
ICPC identified George Nwabueze as the alleged promoter of the organisation. The commission said he was found to have used several variations of his name, including George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze and Prince George Buchi Nwabueze.
The organisation’s website reportedly listed Nwabueze George as Executive Director and National Coordinator, further linking him to the office under investigation.
Alleged 2017 FEC Approval
A review of the organisation’s website showed that it claimed the FEC had approved a national campaign promoting patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products at a meeting held on February 1, 2017, under the Buhari administration.
The organisation also listed the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as its implementing ministry.
Its website reportedly outlined several mandates, including promoting Nigerian products, reviving inactive factories, supporting local brands, combating counterfeit products and organising trade fairs and exhibitions.
It also cited a purported National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Promotion Commission Act, 2025, claiming that the National Assembly had enacted legislation establishing the commission.
Nationwide Leadership Structure
The alleged agency reportedly established a leadership structure extending across several geopolitical zones and states.
At the national level, it listed officials including Dr Bassey B. Unaowo, Dr Hajara Njidda Amoni and Nwabueze.
It also appointed zonal directors for different parts of the country and state coordinators across several states.
According to the report, the organisation used official-looking green-and-white insignia bearing the words “National Brands Development, The Presidency, Made in Nigeria” on the profiles of its coordinators.
The organisation also operated social media accounts under the name @pmainpro on platforms including Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn, creating the appearance of an active federal government institution.
Tinubu Orders Arrest, Suspends Officials
Following the ICPC briefing, President Bola Tinubu reportedly ordered the immediate arrest of Nwabueze.
The President also ordered the suspension of three permanent secretaries pending investigations. They were identified as M.S. Danjuma, Engr. Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah.
ICPC said it was investigating how the alleged fictitious office obtained accommodation within the government secretariat and whether senior public officials were involved.
The commission said the investigation would also examine the roles of other individuals connected to the organisation’s nationwide network of coordinators.
The development comes as ICPC continues its broader investigation into alleged fictitious government bodies and weaknesses in Nigeria’s public service.
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