The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered a sophisticated, unauthorized operation posing as a legitimate federal outfit named the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, which was illegally domiciled within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Aliyu disclosed that the discovery emerged during an ongoing investigation into procedural weaknesses within the public service and a separate fictitious body, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council. According to investigators, the pseudo-agency operated without presidential authorization and in direct violation of existing laws.

Structure and Operations

The organization was promoted by an individual identified as George Nwabueze, who allegedly utilized multiple aliases—including George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze, and Prince George Buchi Nwabueze—alongside the title of Executive Director and National Coordinator.

To project an image of a fully constituted government body, the network established a comprehensive public facade:

• Digital Presence: The group operated an official-looking website complete with grammatical errors and design flaws, featuring a vision statement aimed at transforming Nigeria into a production-oriented economy. It also maintained active social media handles under the handle @pmainpro across multiple platforms.

• Fabricated Mandates and Legislation: The website cited a fictitious seven-point core mandate, a proposed 2025 legislative bill, and a claimed Federal Executive Council approval dating back to February 1, 2017, under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

• National Spread: The outfit constructed an elaborate shadow leadership structure designed to reflect regional, ethnic, and religious diversity. It appointed a national administrative team, zonal directors for the North, South-East, and South-West, and state-level coordinators across nearly every geopolitical zone. Each coordinator carried official-looking green and white insignia bearing the inscription "The Presidency, Made in Nigeria."

Government Action

Following a comprehensive briefing by the ICPC, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate arrest of the prime promoter, George Nwabueze. Additionally, the President approved the suspension of three Permanent Secretaries—M.S. Danjuma, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, and Richard P. Pheelangwah—pending the outcome of ongoing inquiries.

The ICPC is currently collaborating with OSGF officials to determine how the unauthorized entity secured office space within the secretariat and to clarify the extent of involvement by senior public servants and the various state coordinators linked to the network.