How ‘fake’ Made-in-Nigeria office penetrated states, foreign offices

A Nigerian government watchdog has accused a purportedly official body known as the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office of being a fake entity, raising serious questions about how its activities infiltrated federal and state government operations. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) alleged that the organization operated without presidential authorization, leading to the immediate arrest of its promoter, George Nwabueze, and the suspension of three senior officials. The ICPC's claim emerged amid growing scrutiny over the organization's legitimacy. According to the commission, the group was based within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and had suspected collaborators within the office. Its website listed an address in Abuja, claiming to operate as a government-backed initiative focused on promoting domestic economic growth, innovation, and brand development. However, there is no evidence of presidential endorsement or formal approval for such an operation. President Bola Tinubu ordered the arrest of Nwabueze and the suspension of M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare, and Richard P. Pheelangwah, all of whom were implicated in the organization's activities. The ICPC's investigation suggests that the organization may have used its supposed governmental affiliation to gain access to sensitive government processes and influence policy decisions related to economic development and small business support. Despite these allegations, the organization maintains a presence online through its website, madeinnigeriang.org, and social media platforms under the handle @pmainpro. On these platforms, it describes itself as the “National Centre for Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Projects Office,” emphasizing its focus on national strategies for homegrown economic promotion, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Government records indicate that the organization engaged directly with state authorities. In June, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation reported that a delegation from the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project, led by Nwabueze, visited the Abia State Government House in Umuahia. During the visit, the group met with the state’s Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, along with several senior officials, including the Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, and the project’s Abia State coordinator. The meeting reportedly discussed ways to promote Made-in-Nigeria products and support local industries, with the Abia government expressing its commitment to collaborating with the project. Similarly, the Anambra State Government shared details of a strategic meeting between Nwabueze and the state’s Secretary to the Government, Chiamaka Nnake, and the Commissioner for Commerce and Economic Development. This meeting was said to involve planning for the National Products Expo 2026, with Anambra set to host an edition of the event in December. Nwabueze reportedly informed state officials that the National Products Fair was officially registered as a special project under the OSGF. However, this claim contradicts the ICPC’s assertion that the organization lacked proper authorization. The organization has not responded to inquiries from PUNCH Online, which sought clarification on its activities and stance following the ICPC’s revelations. As investigations continue, the situation highlights the potential risks of unverified entities using government infrastructure to advance their agendas. With key figures already detained and further probes underway, the outcome could significantly impact perceptions of transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s governance structures.