Anambra govt explains involvement with Nigeria's 'fake' federal agency

Nigeria's anti-corruption agency has exposed a "fake" federal agency operating under the guise of the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) found the organization operating within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

In response to the discovery, President Bola Tinubu has suspended three top officials, M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare, and Richard P. Pheelangwah, identified as enablers of the fake agency. He also ordered the arrest of the agency's alleged leader, George Nwabueze, who has rejected the ICPC's claims that the organization operated without government authorization.

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In response, the governor, in February 2026, nominated me as the State Focal Person for Anambra State.

The Anambra State Government has clarified its involvement, with the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chiamaka Nnake, stating she was appointed as the state coordinator after Governor Charles Soludo received a nomination request in January. Nnake confirmed that focal persons from all 36 states were part of a WhatsApp group discussing the office's activities.

Nnake further explained that the office recently requested Anambra State to host the South-east Made-in-Nigeria Fair, an event that was approved and had an inaugural meeting with the National Coordinator. She emphasized that beyond these official interactions, she has no knowledge of or involvement in any other activities attributed to the office, asserting that any claims beyond these official engagements are outside her purview.

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Beyond these official interactions and engagements, I have no knowledge of, involvement in, or connection with any other activities, claims, or developments attributed to the said office.