An alleged government-linked project under investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) operated an extensive network of zonal directors, state coordinators and international representatives, according to findings reported by PUNCH Online.
The organisation, identified as the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, reportedly presented itself as a Federal Government-backed initiative and claimed links to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
However, the ICPC has said the office was operating without presidential authorisation, raising questions about how it established its structure and presented itself as a government-linked institution.
Nwabueze Listed as Executive Director
The website associated with the project listed George Nathan Nwabueze as the “Executive Director, National Coordinator.”
The ICPC said the promoter was also found to have operated under several variations of his name, including George Nathan Nwabueze, George Nwabueze, George Buchi Nwabueze, Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze.
The development followed an ongoing ICPC investigation into alleged fictitious government bodies and weaknesses within public-service procedures.
According to the ICPC, the latest investigation uncovered the purported National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office operating within the premises of the OSGF without presidential authorisation. The commission said it was also investigating suspected collaborators within the government office.
Directors and Officials Listed on Website
The website reportedly listed several individuals as directors and officials of the organisation.
Among those named were Dr Bassey B. Unaowo, described as “Special Assistant to the Permanent Secretary on Political and Economic Affairs, OSGF”; Dr Hajara Njidda Amoni, listed as Director, National Administration; Mr Oladunjoye Musiliua, identified as Zonal Director, South-West; Hafsat Sahabi Dange, listed as Zonal Director, North; and Mrs Ugochi Akudo Nwosu, identified as Zonal Director, South-East.
The website also claimed that the project operated under the OSGF and described the initiative as being overseen by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, in the office.
That claimed government connection is significant in light of the ICPC’s finding that the office was allegedly operating without presidential authorisation.
How Government Claims Can Be Verified
The case highlights the importance of verifying claims made by organisations that present themselves as government institutions or government-backed programmes.
This is particularly important when such organisations claim authority over public programmes, government appointments, grants, investment opportunities or official partnerships.
The Bureau Journal recently examined a separate debate over government oversight and institutional accountability in its report on Nigeria’s controversial NGO Regulation Bill and what it means for civil society organisations.
Although the issues are different, both developments underline the importance of clear legal mandates, institutional transparency and public accountability when organisations operate within areas traditionally associated with government.
20 State Coordinators Listed
The website also listed 20 state coordinators, presenting the organisation as having a broad nationwide structure.
- 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 Coordinators Had Public Connections
Checks by PUNCH Online reportedly found indications that some individuals listed as state coordinators had previously held public positions or had links to established political, governmental or community structures in their respective states.
In Taraba State, for example, Aondoaseer Tyopuusu has been identified in recent reports as a Special Assistant to Governor Agbu Kefas on Digital Economy while also serving as the state coordinator of the purported Made-in-Nigeria Special Project.
However, PUNCH Online said it had not independently confirmed the involvement of the listed individuals in the alleged unauthorised organisation.
The appearance of an individual’s name on the organisation’s website does not, by itself, establish that the person was aware that the organisation allegedly lacked government authorisation.
Any individual’s involvement, knowledge or liability would therefore need to be established independently through the ongoing investigation.
Management Could Not Be Reached
Efforts to reach the management of the purported agency reportedly proved unsuccessful as of the time of filing the report.
According to the report, all three telephone numbers published on the organisation’s website were switched off.
A message sent by the correspondent to the purported national coordinator also reportedly had not received a response.
Representatives Listed in US and China
The organisation’s website also listed representatives in the United States and China.
Hon. Emmanuel Enemali Achema was listed as “Country Rep./Coordinator, U.S.A.”, while Hon. Ameh Enedugbojo Glory was identified as “Country Rep./Coordinator, China.”
The claimed international structure was presented alongside the state and zonal network as part of the organisation’s purported nationwide and international operations.
What the Organisation Claimed to Do
The website reportedly described the project as an initiative focused on promoting Nigerian products, supporting businesses and encouraging local production.
Its stated activities reportedly included trade exhibitions, economic forums, promotion of Nigerian products and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The organisation’s claimed mandate was therefore presented as being closely connected to economic development, local manufacturing, entrepreneurship and investment promotion.
However, the ICPC’s reported finding that the office was operating without presidential authorisation has raised questions about the legitimacy of its claimed government connection.
Why the Government Connection Matters
Claims of government affiliation can significantly influence how members of the public, businesses and prospective investors perceive an organisation.
An organisation that appears to operate from a government complex or presents its officials as government representatives may be perceived as having official authority, even where that authority has not been independently established.
This makes verification particularly important before individuals or businesses enter into financial, commercial or contractual relationships with organisations claiming government backing.
The Bureau Journal has previously reported on cases where claims attributed to government institutions generated public controversy. In one such case, the Presidency denied reports concerning an alleged “Project True Federation” constitutional plan, highlighting the importance of distinguishing official government positions from unverified claims.
ICPC Investigation Into Alleged Fictitious Government Bodies
The development forms part of a wider ICPC investigation into purported fictitious government bodies.
The commission had previously identified the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and two other alleged fictitious bodies — the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and Public-Private Partnership.
The latest discovery has therefore expanded the scope of concerns surrounding alleged fictitious government structures and weaknesses in public-service procedures.
The ICPC has said its investigation remains active and that it is working with the OSGF to obtain information relevant to the case.
What the Investigation Could Reveal
The investigation could provide further information about how the purported organisation obtained access to government premises, how its officials operated and whether any public resources were used in connection with its activities.
It could also determine whether individuals inside government institutions assisted the organisation and whether members of the public or businesses were affected by its activities.
These questions are particularly important because the organisation reportedly maintained a structure extending beyond Abuja to several states and foreign locations.
Public Verification Remains Important
For Nigerians, the case provides an important reminder to verify organisations that claim to represent the Federal Government or operate under a ministry, department, agency or the OSGF.
Before dealing with such organisations, individuals and businesses should verify their legal status, official mandate, responsible government institution and published contact channels through authoritative government sources.
The same principle applies to purported government recruitment exercises, grants, contracts, investment programmes and appointments.
The Bureau Journal has previously highlighted the importance of relying on official information when dealing with government opportunities and institutions. Its guide on how to prepare for government job examinations, for example, advises applicants to verify recruitment information through the official website of the organisation involved rather than relying solely on social media claims.
What Happens Next?
The ICPC investigation is expected to determine the full circumstances surrounding the purported National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, including its claimed government affiliation and the individuals who may have been involved in its operations.
Any allegations against individuals named in connection with the organisation remain subject to investigation and should not be treated as proof of criminal liability unless established through the appropriate legal process.
The Bureau Journal will continue to monitor the ICPC investigation, developments involving the OSGF and any further action by the Federal Government concerning the alleged fictitious government bodies.
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