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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has uncovered the structure of an alleged fictitious National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, which reportedly operated with a national coordinator, three zonal directors, 20 state coordinators and representatives in the United States and China. The organisation’s website listed Hon. George Nwabueze as its Executive Director and National Coordinator.
ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu said Nwabueze, identified as the promoter of the alleged fake office, had been ordered arrested by President Bola Tinubu. The commission also said the office was allocated space within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation without presidential authorisation. Three permanent secretaries have been suspended in connection with the discovery, pending investigation.
The alleged agency presented itself as a Federal Government-backed initiative focused on promoting Nigerian brands and locally made products. However, ICPC said it was an unauthorised body and the fourth fictitious agency uncovered in its ongoing investigation. Authorities are continuing to investigate how the organisation gained access to government facilities and whether other officials or individuals were involved.
