‘Fake agency’ boss fights back with appointment letter

George Nwabueze, the National Coordinator and Executive Director of the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, has refuted claims that he operates a "fake agency." Nwabueze asserted that his office functions under the supervision of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and has been operational for 16 years.

His statement comes after the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) announced on Friday that President Bola Tinubu had ordered Nwabueze's arrest. The ICPC described the outfit as a fake federal agency, alleging that Nwabueze ran it in collaboration with senior public servants within the OSGF.

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Made in Nigeria Special Project Office is a project office in the OSGF. We don’t know where fake agency comes from. A programme that has been in the SGF’s office since 16 July 2010 was just discovered yesterday (Friday). After 16 years; Nigeria is a funny country.

Responding to the allegations, Nwabueze expressed bewilderment at the "fake agency" label, given the project's long-standing presence. "Made in Nigeria Special Project Office is a project office in the OSGF. We don’t know where fake agency comes from. A programme that has been in the SGF’s office since 16 July 2010 was just discovered yesterday (Friday). After 16 years; Nigeria is a funny country," he stated.

Nwabueze provided an appointment letter, dated October 3, 2025, purportedly issued by the OSGF. The letter, referenced OSGF/MIN/59310/11/205 and signed by Permanent Secretary Nadungu Gagare, confirmed Nwabueze's appointment as National Coordinator/Executive Director for a five-year renewable term starting July 2025. The document outlined his responsibilities, including program development, supervision of state coordinators, and organizing promotional initiatives for indigenous products. The project was slated to operate temporarily from the OSGF complex.

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I am directed to formally convey the approval of your appointment as National Coordinator/Executive Director of the Made in Nigeria Project Office under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.