The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has uncovered an alleged fake “National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office” operating within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation without presidential authorisation.
President Bola Tinubu on Friday ordered the immediate arrest of the promoter, George Nwabueze, and the suspension of three permanent secretaries — M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah — over the incident.
According to ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, the alleged fake office had a structure spanning 20 states and two foreign countries, with an acclaimed national coordinator, zonal directors, state coordinators and representatives in China and the United States.
A check on the website madeinnigeriang.org on Saturday showed the office’s website listed Nwabueze as “Executive Director, National Coordinator.” Other officials listed include Dr Hajara Njidda Amoni as Director, National Administration; Mr Oladunjoye Musiliua as Zonal Director, South-West; Hafsat Sahabi Dange as Zonal Director, North; and Mrs Ugochi Akudo Nwosu as Zonal Director, South-East.
The website also listed 20 state coordinators across Katsina, Kaduna, Delta, Kebbi, Osun, Anambra, Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, Ondo, Ogun, Sokoto, Abia, Zamfara, Niger, Kano, Taraba, Oyo, Bauchi and Kogi.
Katsina: Dr Babangida Kabir Ruma, Kaduna: Hon. Abdulhaleem Ishaq Ringim, Delta: Hon. Dr Godwin Adolor, Kebbi: Hussaini Abdullahi, Esq., FSI, Osun: Hon. Olugbemi Adetola Adelowokan, Anambra: Hon. Chiamaka Nnake, Nasarawa: Hon. Osolafia Muhammed, PhD, Plateau: Mrs Salome Audu Bidda, Benue: Hon. Orduen Andrew Ikon.
Others are; Ondo: Amb. Orioye G. Benedict, Ogun: Hon. Engr. Kehinde Akintonide, FNSE, Sokoto: Hon. Ibrahim Umar Aliyu, Abia: Hon. Mrs Nwosu Chinyere R., Zamfara: Hon. Ibrahim Bello Marafa, Niger: Haj. Zainab Mohammed, Kano: Hon. Abubakar Ahmad Bichi (Khalifa), Taraba: Hon. Justin Aondoaseer Tyopuusu, Oyo: Alhaji Bello Kolawole Ghaffar, FCA, Bauchi: Hon. Farouq Siyi, Kogi: Hon. Olorukooba Bidemi.
The site claimed the project operated under the OSGF and was overseen by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs.
The ICPC said the promoter operated under several name variations, including George Nathan Nwabueze, George Buchi Nwabueze and Prince George Buchi Nwabueze.
The commission said the discovery has raised concerns about transparency and the misuse of government premises.
