ICPC, OSGF Clash Over ‘Made In Nigeria’ Office As Director Denies Running Fake Agency

The *National Coordinator of the Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, George Nwabueze*, has denied allegations by the *ICPC* that he is running a “fake agency” under the *Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF)*.

Nwabueze told _Sunday PUNCH_ on Saturday that the office has operated under the OSGF for *16 years* and is not illegal.

The denial comes after the *ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN*, said on Friday that President Bola Tinubu had ordered Nwabueze’s arrest for leading what the commission described as a fake federal agency.

Aliyu said investigators uncovered the office while probing the alleged *Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC)*. He alleged the office was allocated space within the OSGF without presidential approval and was being run with the backing of senior OSGF officials.

*”We’ve Been In OSGF Since 2010″*

Responding to 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 16 July 2010 was just discovered yesterday. After 16 years; Nigeria is a funny country.”_

He posted his appointment letter on LinkedIn to back his claim.

The letter, dated *October 3, 2025* and referenced *OSGF/MIN/59310/11/205*, was signed by *Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Nadungu Gagare*.

It appointed “*Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze*” as National Coordinator/Executive Director for a five-year tenure from July 2025, renewable. The letter said the appointment was “at the pleasure of the SGF” and in line with the _Renewed Hope Agenda_.

His responsibilities, according to the letter, include supervising programmes, state and zonal coordinators, and organising trade expos to promote indigenous products. The office was to operate from *Room B53, Ground Floor, OSGF complex*.

*Bid For ‘Special Project’ Status*

Another document shared by Nwabueze, dated *April 17, 2025*, showed the office seeking “Special Project” status.

Signed by Gagare, the proposal said the initiative had for five years promoted Nigerian products locally and internationally, and contributed to FDI, employment and GDP growth. It argued that special status would enhance credibility and align with FG’s economic diversification drive.

Aliyu told State House correspondents the office was part of structures uncovered in the PFIPC probe and named *“Prince George Buchi Nwabueze”* as the promoter.

However, documents and activities shared by the office suggest official backing. A report on its LinkedIn page showed *Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule* saying the state had “domesticated” the Made-in-Nigeria initiative and captured it in its 2026 budget.

The organisation’s website lists national, zonal and state coordinators. It also runs social media accounts under *@pmainpro*.

An OSGF official, however, told _Sunday PUNCH_ the office “was not operating as an agency” and “was shut months ago” amid investigation.

OSGF spokesman *Christopher Ugwuegbulam* asked for a written letter before commenting. ICPC spokesman *John Odey* was unreachable.

Police sources said no manhunt would begin until they are formally briefed.

The dispute leaves questions over the legal status of the project office and the extent of its authorisation within the OSGF.