The National Coordinator and Executive Director of the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, George Nwabueze, has continued to defend the legitimacy of the organisation, releasing additional documents he said demonstrate its longstanding links with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
Nwabueze shared the documents on his LinkedIn page on Sunday, including a letter dated July 19, 2010, which he said was issued by the OSGF.
The letter, referenced NIG@ 50/S. 7/C,3/45 and signed by Dominic Y.E. on behalf of the SGF, was addressed to “Buchi George,” identified at the time as the Executive Director of The Hats Centre in Owerri, Imo State.
Titled “RE: ENDORSEMENT OF OUR PROJECT, MADE IN NAIJA, TO BE HELD IN IRELAND,” the letter acknowledged receipt of a July 16, 2010 proposal seeking endorsement for a “Made in Naija” project to be held in Ireland as part of Nigeria’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
The letter stated: “I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 16 July 2010 on the above subject and inform you that you should forward your proposal to the Nigerian High Commission in Ireland for possible consideration.
“Please accept the assurances of the warm regards of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”
Reacting to the document, Nwabueze said it provided evidence of the history of the initiative and its alleged connection with the OSGF.
“History and facts, from Made in Naija since 15th June 2010 to made in nigeria project office that is since 16 years in same OSGF Office,” he wrote.
He added: “How can you discover a 16 years programme in 2026, it’s means you have been blind, we are committed to the national development.”
Nwabueze later shared graphics displaying the office’s logo and promoting its activities.
One of the graphics featured the slogans, “Localise national products, industrialise Nigeria,” and “Our products. Our pride. Our progress,” alongside calls to “Create,” “Boost local economy,” “Reduce import dependency,” and “Build a stronger Nigeria.”
Another graphic promoted efforts to “Drive local production development under the Industrialize Nigeria” and “Locally made for global access.”
It listed the organisation’s objectives as promoting local manufacturing, creating jobs and wealth, reducing dependence on imports and improving Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
The latest disclosures come amid an ongoing controversy over the status of the organisation following allegations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) that it was a fake federal agency.
The ICPC said its investigation into the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council led to the discovery of the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office.
The commission alleged that the office had been allocated space within the OSGF premises without presidential authorisation and identified Nwabueze as the promoter of the purported agency.
