Anambra SSG clarifies involvement in ‘fake’ federal agency

Anambra State’s Secretary to the Government, Chiamaka Nnake, has issued a detailed clarification regarding her alleged association with a so-called “fake” federal agency linked to the Made-in-Nigeria initiative. According to a statement released late on Saturday, Nnake confirmed that she was nominated as the state’s focal person for the initiative, which operates under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. She stated that the agency reached out to the governor in January 2026, requesting the designation of a state representative, and the governor subsequently appointed her in February 2026. Nnake explained that after the nominations were finalized, representatives from all 36 states joined a WhatsApp group to discuss the agency’s plans. The group reportedly focused on coordinating efforts related to the organization of a regional Made-in-Nigeria fair. The agency later requested that Anambra host the South-East Made-in-Nigeria Fair, a proposal that was approved by the state government. An inaugural meeting was held approximately two weeks prior to the statement, during which the national coordinator of the initiative attended. The state government was led to believe that the agency was legitimate, based on communications from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. However, this perception changed when the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) uncovered evidence suggesting the agency was not officially recognized. As a result, the state government was informed that it had been misled into preparing to host the fair, originally planned for December 2–5, 2026. In her statement, Nnake emphasized that her involvement was strictly limited to the official interactions outlined. She denied any personal participation in or awareness of activities beyond those directly tied to the agency’s formal requests. “Anything beyond the above-mentioned official interactions is entirely outside my knowledge and involvement,” she stated. The revelation has sparked discussions about the legitimacy of such initiatives and the potential for misrepresentation within governmental structures. While the agency claimed to operate under the federal government, the lack of proper verification has raised concerns among officials and citizens alike. The situation highlights the challenges of distinguishing genuine government operations from fraudulent ones, particularly when they appear to be backed by high-level administrative offices. The state government has expressed regret over being misled, acknowledging that the process of verifying the authenticity of such agencies could have been more rigorous. Officials are currently assessing the implications of the discovery, including whether legal action should be pursued against individuals or entities responsible for misleading the state government. Meanwhile, the national coordinator of the Made-in-Nigeria initiative has yet to comment publicly on the allegations. The state government is also reviewing the logistics of the fair, considering whether to proceed with the event despite the controversy. The fair, intended to showcase Nigerian-made goods and promote local industries, was meant to serve as a platform for economic empowerment and national pride. As the situation unfolds, further investigations are expected to determine the extent of the agency’s operations and the roles played by individuals who may have facilitated the false representation. The outcome will likely influence future approaches to collaboration between state governments and federal bodies, emphasizing the need for greater transparency and due diligence in such partnerships.