Fake agency claiming Buhari-era approval operated for 9 years, investigators find

An alleged fake agency, the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, operated for years from within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, claiming to have federal approval. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) uncovered the operation, which presented itself as a properly constituted federal entity.

The agency specifically claimed a Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval dating back to 2017, during the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. It also meticulously mirrored the Federal Character Principle in its nationwide appointments, creating a structure that appeared legitimate.

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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, which has been illegally allocated office space within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, revealed the discovery during an investigation into another fictitious council. He stated that the promoter, George Nwabueze, operated under multiple aliases and allegedly collaborated with senior public servants in the OSGF. Nwabueze was found to use variations of his name, including George Nathan and Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze.

A review of the outfit's website, madeinnigeriang.org, revealed a significant structure built around the pseudo-agency. The site outlined a vision to transform Nigeria into a production-oriented manufacturing country and listed a seven-point mandate. This included economic promotion, reviving factories, supporting local brands, and promoting Made-in-Nigeria products through trade fairs.

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The promoter Nwabueze was discovered to also operate under four other variations of his name: George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze, Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze.