The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered an alleged fake federal agency that operated from office space within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and built a nationwide network of officials across Nigeria.

The alleged National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office claimed it had the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) dating back to 2017, despite the ICPC’s finding that the office had no presidential authorisation.

The development came nearly nine years after the alleged FEC approval and was uncovered during an investigation into the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and what the ICPC described as weaknesses within the public service.

ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, disclosed the discovery while briefing President Bola Tinubu on the commission’s investigations.

He said the alleged fake office had been illegally allocated office space within the OSGF premises, raising questions about how an organisation without presidential authorisation gained access to government property and operated from the heart of the Federal Government Secretariat.

“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,” Aliyu said.

Nwabueze named promoter

According to the ICPC chairman, the alleged promoter of the organisation was George Nwabueze, who allegedly operated under several variations of his name.

Aliyu said investigations showed that Nwabueze also used the names George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze and Prince George Buchi Nwabueze.

A profile on the organisation’s website identified Nwabueze George as its Executive Director and National Coordinator.

The website presented the organisation as a federal initiative established to promote Nigerian brands, local manufacturing and the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products.

But the ICPC said its investigation found no presidential authorisation for the office.

Fake agency claimed 2017 FEC approval

The organisation’s website claimed that the Federal Executive Council approved a “National Campaign to Sensitize Nigerians on the Patronage of Made-in-Nigeria Products” at a meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on February 1, 2017.

It further claimed that the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment was responsible for implementing the initiative.

The organisation also cited a purported Bill for an Act to Establish the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Promotion Commission and for Related Matters as part of its justification for operating.

The claims, however, are now at the centre of the ICPC investigation.

Nationwide structure uncovered

The alleged organisation did not operate as a small informal group, according to information presented by the commission.

It had established an elaborate leadership structure extending from the national level to geopolitical zones and states.

Among those listed in its leadership structure was Dr Bassey B. Unaowo, described as Special Assistant to the Permanent Secretary on Political and Economic Affairs in the OSGF, as well as Dr Hajara Njidda Amoni, listed as Director of National Administration.

The organisation also appointed zonal directors for different parts of the country and state coordinators across the North-West, North-Central, North-East, South-South, South-East and South-West.

The state officials were designated “State Coordinator, National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project Office.”

Their profiles reportedly carried a green-and-white insignia bearing the inscription “National Brands Development, The Presidency, Made in Nigeria.”

The organisation also maintained social media accounts under the handle @pmainpro on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn, giving it an appearance of an established government-backed initiative.

How it allegedly gained access to SGF office

One of the most significant questions arising from the investigation is how an organisation that the ICPC now describes as fictitious obtained office accommodation within the OSGF.

Aliyu said the commission had begun engaging officials of the OSGF to determine how the alleged agency secured the office and the circumstances surrounding its operations within the government premises.

The investigation is also expected to establish whether public officials facilitated the organisation’s activities or provided documents, access and other forms of support.

Aliyu alleged that Nwabueze may have had the assistance of senior public servants in the OSGF.

“The promoter Nwabueze was discovered to also operate under four other variations of his name,” the ICPC chairman said.

Tinubu orders arrest, suspends three Permanent Secretaries

Following the ICPC briefing, President Tinubu ordered the immediate arrest of Nwabueze.

The President also suspended three Permanent Secretaries pending investigation.

They are M.S. Danjuma, Engr. Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah.

The suspensions came as investigators sought to determine how the alleged fake agency operated within government premises and whether public officials were involved in facilitating its activities.

The ICPC is expected to investigate the roles of the suspended officials and other persons linked to the organisation.

PFIPC investigation exposes wider vulnerability

The discovery was made in the course of the ICPC’s investigation into the alleged fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, which the commission says exposed weaknesses in the public service that could be exploited by individuals seeking to impersonate government institutions.

The alleged PFIPC’s self-styled Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, is facing prosecution over alleged forgery and impersonation.

The emergence of another alleged fake agency operating from within the OSGF has now widened concerns over the ability of individuals and groups to create the appearance of government authority without proper approval.

It also raises questions about internal controls within government ministries, departments and agencies, particularly regarding the allocation of office space, use of government insignia and appointment of officials.

ICPC vows to deepen investigation

Aliyu said the commission had briefed President Tinubu on the latest development and would continue its investigation.

“I have briefed Mr President comprehensively on these new developments. ICPC will continue with its investigations accordingly,” he said.

The investigation is expected to focus not only on the alleged promoter but also on the officials and processes that enabled the organisation to operate within government premises.

At the heart of the probe is a broader question: how could an organisation allegedly lacking presidential authorisation establish a nationwide structure, present itself as a federal agency and secure office space inside the OSGF without detection for years?

The answer could determine whether the case represents an isolated act of impersonation or exposes deeper weaknesses in Nigeria’s public service controls.