Controversy is now trailing the alleged existence of a fake agency, the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, within the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) as fresh facts have emerged that the outfit is a programme office designed for a purpose and not an agency as widely reported in the media.
This is just as the National Coordinator of the Programme, George Nwabueze, has continued to defend the legitimacy of the programme , posting additional documents to show the existence of the programme since 2010.
The latest development was sequel to ongoing controversy over the status of the office, following allegations by the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) , Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN), who disclosed that the outfit was a fake federal agency.
Addressing State House Correspondents after briefing President Bola Tinubu on Friday, the ICPC boss also said the anti-graft agency’s investigation into the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) led to the discovery of another fake agency — the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office.
Aliyu further alleged that the office had been allocated space within the OSGF premises without presidential authorisation and identified Nwabueze as its promoter. He further disclosed that the President had directed the suspension of three Permanent Secretaries.
But a top source has debunked the existence of a fake agency within the office of the SGF, saying that what has been in existence in the premises is a programme office to actualise the goals of the government.
The source, who sought anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the matter, added that there is the need for the ICPC to do more investigation to establish the truth of matter.
He said, “ We don’t have a fake agency in the office of the SGF. What we have is a programme office , designed to promote ‘Made-in -Nigeria’ goods and products. It is a patriotic venture for positive development. And it was put in place during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010.
“There is a missing link between the investigation of the anti-graft agency and its findings. Certain fifth columnists must be playing a dangerous game and manipulating the situation to achieve a pre-determined outcome.
“The anti-graft agency needs to review its findings and do more investigation to determine the propriety of the allegation of a fake agency within the office of the SGF.
“It is true that the office of the SGF is big, being a sensitive organ of the Federal Government. But every space in the premises is accountable and the SGF is in charge of the place.
“The media reportage is one sided and the narrative is distorted to embarrass certain individuals. But we are confident that the truth will soon prevail. There is the need for a fact finding on what actually happened with the programme office instead of ascribing it to fake agency.
“I wish to say with high sense of responsibility that there is the need for thorough investigation in this matter. We need to be circumspect and exercise patience in the interest of the country.”
Incidentally, Nwabueze has denied the allegation of running a fake agency, saying that the office was a project office under the OSGF and had been in existence for 16 years.
Faulting the allegation, Nwabueze said, “Made in Nigeria Special Project Office is a project office in the OSGF. We don’t know where fake agency comes from. A programme that has been in the SGF’s office since July 16, 2010 was just discovered yesterday (Friday). After 16 years; Nigeria is a funny country.”
He had previously shared an appointment letter dated October 3, 2025, purportedly issued by the OSGF, conveying the approval of his appointment as National Coordinator/Executive Director of the Made in Nigeria Project Office.
Another document shared by him showed that the office had sought special project status from the OSGF in April 2025.
Incidentally, Nwabueze has posted more documents on his LinkedIn page on Sunday and shared a letter dated July 19, 2010, purportedly issued by the OSGF.
The letter, referenced NIG@ 50/S. 7/C,3/45 and signed by Dominic Y.E. for the SGF, was addressed to “Buchi George,” then “Executive Director of The Hats Centre” in Owerri, Imo State.
Titled, “RE: ENDORSEMENT OF OUR PROJECT, MADE IN NAIJA, TO BE HELD IN IRELAND,” the letter acknowledged receipt of a proposal dated July 16, 2010, seeking endorsement of a “Made in Naija” project to be held in Ireland as part of Nigeria’s 50th anniversary.
The letter read, “I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 16 July 2010 on the above subject and inform you that you should forward your proposal to the Nigerian High Commission in Ireland for possible consideration.
“Please accept the assurances of the warm regards of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”
Commenting on the document, Nwabueze wrote, “History and facts, from Made in naija since 15th June 2010 to made in nigeria project office that is since 16 years in same OSGF Office”
Nwabueze also posted graphics bearing the office’s logo and promoting its activities.
One graphic carried the slogans, “Localise national products, industrialise Nigeria,” “Our products. Our pride. Our progress,” and calls to “Create,” “Boost local economy,” “Reduce import dependency,” and “Build a stronger Nigeria.”
Another graphic promoted “Drive local production development under the Industrialize Nigeria” and “Locally made for global access.”
It listed objectives including promoting local manufacturing, creating jobs and wealth, reducing import dependency and boosting global competitiveness.
