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The National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, now under investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, reportedly established an extensive network across Nigeria and abroad while presenting itself as a Federal Government initiative. The organisation claimed to operate under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and maintained a website and social-media accounts promoting trade fairs, SME development, investment and locally made products.
Records show that its activities reached several state governments and government institutions. In Abia, officials reportedly worked with the organisation on an economic expo, while Anambra authorities engaged its promoter, George Nwabueze, over plans for a National Products Expo. The organisation also claimed involvement in programmes involving federal ministries and international events, although some of those claims have not been independently verified.
The development followed an ICPC investigation which alleged that the organisation was fictitious and had been operating without presidential authorisation. President Bola Tinubu ordered Nwabueze’s arrest and suspended three permanent secretaries over the matter. The commission is investigating how the organisation gained access to government facilities and interacted with public institutions despite allegedly lacking legal authority.
