A staff member of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has disclosed that the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, currently at the centre of an alleged fake agency controversy, had been shut down several months before the issue became public.

‘Made-In-Nigeria Office Not Fake’ – Nwabueze Hits ICPC

The staff member, who spoke anonymously to Sunday Punch, said the office was no longer operating as an agency but had previously been the subject of an investigation. According to the source, “It was not operating as an agency, but I know it was under investigation… The office was shut months ago.”

The controversy emerged after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) alleged that the office had been allocated space within the OSGF without presidential authorisation. President Bola Tinubu subsequently ordered the arrest of George Nwabueze, identified by the ICPC as the alleged promoter, and suspended three permanent secretaries over the matter.

However, Nwabueze has disputed the allegations and produced documents which he claims demonstrate that his appointment as National Coordinator/Executive Director of the Made in Nigeria Project Office was formally approved by the OSGF. One of the documents, dated October 3, 2025, purportedly conveyed approval of his appointment.

Meanwhile, sources within the Nigeria Police Force said the police had not received formal communication concerning Nwabueze and, therefore, had not commenced any manhunt for him. The development adds another layer to the controversy, as questions continue to emerge over the alleged agency’s status, its claimed government approval, and the role of senior officials in its operations.