The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has uncovered how an alleged fake National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office reportedly secured office space within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and built a nationwide network of officials.
The ICPC said the outfit even claimed to have obtained Federal Executive Council approval for its activities as far back as 2017, despite the commission’s finding that it had no presidential authorisation.
The alleged agency, according to ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, was uncovered during investigations into the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and other weaknesses within the public service.
Aliyu said the office had been illegally allocated space within the OSGF premises and identified George Nwabueze as its promoter.
“Upon further briefing by ICPC to Mr President on the ongoing investigations into the fake PFIPC and procedural weaknesses in the public service, the ICPC has uncovered another fake agency and office operating under the name National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office,” he said.
The ICPC chairman alleged that Nwabueze operated under 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 described Nwabueze as its Executive Director and National Coordinator and presented the outfit as a federal agency promoting Nigerian brands and local manufacturing.
The website also claimed that the Federal Executive Council approved a national campaign to sensitise Nigerians to patronise Made-in-Nigeria products at a meeting held at the Presidential Villa on February 1, 2017.
It reportedly listed the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as the implementing ministry and referenced a purported bill seeking to establish a National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Promotion Commission.
Nationwide network uncovered
Beyond the alleged claims of government approval, the outfit had reportedly created a leadership structure stretching across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and several states.
It listed zonal directors and state coordinators across the North-West, North-Central, North-East, South-South, South-East and South-West.
The officials were reportedly designated as State Coordinators of the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project Office, with profiles carrying an official-looking green-and-white insignia bearing the inscription, “National Brands Development, The Presidency, Made in Nigeria.”
The organisation also maintained social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn under the handle “@pmainpro.”
However, the ICPC said its investigation established that the office had no presidential authorisation and was operating in breach of existing laws.
Tinubu orders arrest, suspends officials
The discovery followed an earlier ICPC investigation into the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, whose self-styled Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, is facing prosecution over allegations of forgery and impersonation.
Following the ICPC briefing, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the immediate arrest of Nwabueze.
The President also suspended three Permanent Secretaries — M.S. Danjuma, Engr. Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah — pending investigations.
Aliyu said the commission had commenced engagement with officials of the OSGF to establish how the alleged fake office obtained accommodation within the government complex.
He added that the roles of the suspended Permanent Secretaries and other individuals linked to the alleged nationwide network would be investigated.
“I have briefed Mr President comprehensively on these new developments. ICPC will continue with its investigations accordingly,” Aliyu said.
