Documents Expose How Alleged Fake FG Office Sought Millions, Land From Governors

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered an organisation allegedly operating as a federal government agency without presidential approval, prompting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the suspension of three senior officials and the arrest of the organisation’s coordinator.

The organisation, known as the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, allegedly operated under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and presented itself to state governments as an official Federal Government initiative.

According to IREPORTERONLINE, ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu disclosed the development after meeting with President Tinubu, explaining that the discovery led to action against officials allegedly linked to the organisation’s operations.

Documents reviewed in connection with the investigation reportedly showed that the organisation used presidential insignia on its correspondence and issued appointment letters and other official-looking documents. It also allegedly wrote to several state governors seeking financial assistance, land, appointments of state coordinators and participation in programmes within and outside Nigeria.

Between January and February, the organisation reportedly contacted governors in Lagos, Imo, Ondo, Sokoto, Edo and Nasarawa states with various requests. Its letters were signed by Nwabueze George, who identified himself as the Executive Director and National Coordinator of the Made in Nigeria Project.

The correspondence reportedly described the organisation as a Federal Government initiative operating from the OSGF and used the heading “The Presidency – National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office.”

In a January 9 letter addressed to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the organisation reportedly requested the nomination and appointment of a state coordinator for its purported Made in Nigeria project. It claimed the appointment would strengthen cooperation between the Federal Government and the state while promoting local production, SMEs, industrial development and international trade.

The organisation also allegedly sought financial support from Edo State for participation in a summit in Bahrain. A letter dated February 23 reportedly directed the state to make payments into accounts belonging to the Made in Nigeria Project Office, including naira and dollar accounts with Zenith Bank.

The organisation reportedly requested $2,500 per participant for registration, exhibition and participation in the Bahrain programme. It proposed a delegation of 30 people from Edo State, comprising five government officials and 25 private-sector participants, which would have amounted to about $75,000.

In Nasarawa State, the organisation reportedly sought the support of Governor Abdullahi Sule for a national stakeholders’ meeting scheduled to take place in Lafia. The proposed event was expected to bring together national and state coordinators and establish a coordinating council representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The organisation also reportedly approached Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for land to establish a “Made in Nigeria Product Market.” The proposed facility was described as a platform for promoting, producing, exhibiting and commercialising locally made goods and services.

In Imo State, the organisation allegedly invited Governor Hope Uzodimma to attend its inaugural convention as a special guest of honour and speaker. The invitation reportedly included a request for financial assistance to cover transportation, accommodation, feeding, registration, conference materials, training and other expenses.

The organisation also allegedly invited state governments to participate in international trade and agricultural exhibitions in countries including Bahrain, Burundi, Equatorial Guinea, China, South Korea and Oman.

In a February 10 letter reportedly sent to Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, the organisation invited the state to participate in food and agricultural exhibitions in Bahrain and Azerbaijan. It claimed that its activities were conducted under the OSGF and aimed at promoting non-oil exports, showcasing Nigerian agricultural products and attracting foreign investment.

The organisation reportedly promised participating states opportunities to access international markets, meet potential buyers and investors, and gain exposure to export standards and agricultural technologies.

The ICPC’s discovery has raised questions about how the organisation allegedly operated for an extended period while presenting itself to state governments as an authorised Federal Government initiative. The investigation is expected to determine the extent of its activities, the officials involved and whether funds or other government resources were obtained through its operations.