ICPC Exposes Fake Federal Agency Soliciting Funds

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) revealed the existence of an organization, the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, operating without presidential authorization. This prompted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend three senior government officials and order the arrest of the agency's coordinator, Nwabueze George.

The organization falsely presented itself as a federal initiative under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and solicited funds, land, and support from state governors, including those from Lagos, Imo, Ondo, Sokoto, Edo, and Nasarawa. Documents obtained by PREMIUM TIMES showed that the agency used the presidency's insignia in its correspondence, which included letters seeking the appointment of state coordinators and financial contributions for projects.

In a letter dated 9 January, the agency requested Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to nominate a coordinator for collaboration on local production and SMEs. Another letter dated 23 February sought authorization for payments related to a summit in Bahrain.