‘Fake agency’ promoter produces OSGF appointment letter to dispute ICPC claims

George Nwabueze, National Coordinator of the “National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office,” has pushed back against allegations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) labelling his setup a “fake agency”.

Speaking via professional networking channels, Nwabueze rejected the commission’s findings, maintaining that the entity has operated as a recognised special project office within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) for 16 years. 

His defence comes after ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Aliyu announced that President Bola Tinubu ordered Nwabueze’s immediate arrest alongside the suspension of three federal permanent secretaries for facilitating an unauthorised body within OSGF premises.

Documentation of official backing

To substantiate his legitimacy claims, Nwabueze published internal administrative documents online:

Official Appointment Letter: Dated October 3, 2025 (Ref: OSGF/MIN/59310/11/205) and signed by suspended Permanent Secretary Nadungu Gagare (Political and Economic Affairs Office). 

The document formally conveyed a renewable five-year tenure as Executive Director, citing the “Renewed Hope Agenda” and placing the project temporarily in Room B53 within the OSGF complex.

Special Project Status Proposal: An internal memorandum dated April 17, 2025 (Ref: PS-PEAO/2025/008/4) addressed to the SGF. The proposal sought elevated status for the office, citing its five-year track record in promoting non-oil exports, facilitating foreign direct investment, and supporting local manufacturing.

State-Level Engagements: Published reports documenting public engagements with high-ranking officials, including Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, who publicly confirmed that the state had domesticated the Made-in-Nigeria initiative in its 2026 budget.

Contradictions and unresolved questions

Despite the documentation released by the promoter, significant contradictions remain surrounding the agency’s legal authorisation:

Office Inactivity: OSGF internal sources indicated that the physical office within the complex had been shut down months prior, pending an ongoing investigation.

Lack of Presidential Approval: The ICPC maintains that while internal bureaucratic paperwork existed, the agency operated without mandatory presidential clearance.

Police Action: Law enforcement authorities confirmed that formal briefing documents from anti-corruption agencies are still required before an official manhunt for Nwabueze can be launched.

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