ABUJA — The National Coordinator and Executive Director of the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, George Buchi Nwabueze, has rejected allegations that he was operating a “fake agency,” presenting an appointment letter purportedly issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) in defence of his position.
Nwabueze’s response followed allegations that the organisation was an unauthorised government office operating within the premises of the OSGF, with claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had ordered his arrest over the matter.
In his reaction, Nwabueze insisted that the Made in Nigeria Special Project Office was not a fake agency but a project office under the supervision of the OSGF.
To support his claim, he presented an appointment letter dated October 3, 2025, purportedly issued by the OSGF, conveying his appointment as National Coordinator and Executive Director of the Made in Nigeria Project Office.
According to the document, the appointment carries a five-year tenure beginning from July 2025, with the possibility of renewal. The office is saddled with responsibilities including the development and supervision of programmes, projects and policies aimed at promoting Nigerian products and services.
Nwabueze also disclosed that the office had submitted a proposal seeking formal recognition as a Special Project under the Federal Government.
The proposal reportedly focused on promoting locally manufactured goods, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, reducing dependence on imported products, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities.
The controversy has, however, continued to generate questions over the legal status of the office, the authority under which it operates and the validity of the documents presented by its National Coordinator and Executive Director.
While Nwabueze maintains that his appointment and the office are legitimate, the allegations against the organisation are expected to be subjected to further investigation by the relevant authorities.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to clarify the status of the Made in Nigeria Special Project Office and determine whether it was duly established and authorised by the Federal Government.