How Fake Agencies Undermine Nigeria’s Development Agenda — ICPC

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has warned that the proliferation of fake government agencies could undermine Nigeria’s development agenda, following the discovery of another entity allegedly operating under the guise of a federal agency.

The Commission disclosed on Friday that it had uncovered what it described as a fake “National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office,” allegedly promoted by one George Buchi Nwabueze, with suspected collaboration from some senior public servants in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

The ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, disclosed this after briefing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

Aliyu said the discovery was made in the course of the Commission’s ongoing investigation into another alleged fake government body, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), reportedly promoted by Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew.

According to him, the latest findings were serious enough to warrant another briefing of the President.

“The fake agency known as the ‘National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office’ is alleged to be promoted by one Mr George Buchi Nwabueze with suspected active collaboration of senior public servants in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” the ICPC said.

The Commission said its investigation revealed that Nwabueze operated under several variants of his name, including Prince George Buchi Nwabueze, George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze.

The development has raised concerns over the potential impact of fraudulent entities operating in the name of government on legitimate development programmes, particularly initiatives designed to promote Nigerian businesses, local production and economic growth.

Following the briefing, President Tinubu ordered the arrest of Nwabueze and the immediate suspension of three permanent secretaries in the OSGF identified by the ICPC as Ms Danjuma, Engr Nandungu Gagare and Richard Pheelangwa.

The latest discovery comes against the backdrop of growing efforts by the Federal Government to promote local production, strengthen Nigerian brands and expand opportunities for businesses as part of its broader economic development agenda.

The ICPC said it remained committed to investigating the matter within the framework of the law.

“The ICPC remains committed to the rule of law and due process in the fight against corruption,” the Commission said.