Made in Nigeria: How ‘fake’ agency claimed FG’s backing with zero authority

A group calling itself the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office claimed to be a Federal Government initiative with a wide mandate to promote Nigerian products and support businesses. However, an investigation by The PUNCH found the organization operated without any official authority.

The group's website described itself as a "strategic initiative" of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. It outlined objectives such as empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, stimulating industrial growth, and repositioning Nigeria as a hub for innovation. The organization also claimed it would enhance self-reliance, reduce import dependence, and create jobs through various national programs and trade exhibitions.

According to its website, the Made-in-Nigeria Project claimed responsibilities including promoting local products, facilitating foreign direct investment, supporting government industrialization policies, and providing SMEs with resources. It also stated plans to "revive moribund factories" and develop a "National Labelling and Anti-Counterfeiting System." The initiative claimed to have been conceived in 2006 and approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2017, with past test cases involving Nigeria and other countries.