The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered the full structure of an alleged fake government agency, the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, which had coordinators spread across several states and representatives in two foreign countries.
A check on the office’s website showed it listed Hon. Nwabueze George as “Executive Director, National Coordinator,” backed by a director of national administration, three zonal directors, 20 state coordinators, and representatives in the United States and China.
This comes after ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, revealed on Friday that President Bola Tinubu had ordered the immediate arrest of George Nwabueze, whom the commission described as the promoter behind the alleged fake office. Three permanent secretaries — M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare, and Richard P. Pheelangwah — were also suspended following the discovery. The office reportedly operated from within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) without presidential authorisation.
According to ICPC, the promoter operated under multiple name variations, including George Nathan Nwabueze, George Buchi Nwabueze, and Prince George Buchi Nwabueze.
Other officials listed on the website include Dr Bassey B. Unaowo as Special Assistant to the Permanent Secretary on Political and Economic Affairs, OSGF; 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 claimed the project operated under the OSGF, overseen by the Permanent Secretary of Political and Economic Affairs — a claim that appears questionable given ICPC’s finding that the office lacked presidential authorisation.
Full List of State Coordinators
- 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
- 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
Some of those listed have been linked to existing political or governmental structures in their states. In Taraba, for instance, Tyopuusu has been identified as a Special Assistant to Governor Agbu Kefas on Digital Economy, while also serving as the state coordinator for the Made in Nigeria Special Project. Their appearance on the website does not necessarily mean they were aware the organisation allegedly lacked government backing.
The website also listed Hon. Emmanuel Enemali Achema as “Country Rep./Coordinator, U.S.A.” and Hon. Ameh Enedugbojo Glory as “Country Rep./Coordinator, China,” as part of the group’s claimed international structure.
According to the site, the outfit claimed to run trade exhibitions, economic forums, and support programmes for small and medium-sized enterprises — claims ICPC has disputed.
This is the latest in a string of discoveries involving fictitious government bodies, following ICPC’s earlier identification of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, the FCT Investment Promotion Agency, and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and Public-Private Partnership.
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