Despite ICPC’s ‘Fictitious Agency’ Flag, Made-in-Nigeria Office Holds National Products Fair

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had labeled the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office as an unauthorized government entity. Despite this, the organization successfully held a National Products Fair in Umuahia, Abia State, from September 21 to 25, 2026.

The fair aimed to showcase Nigerian innovation, quality, creativity, and enterprise, with objectives including promoting Nigerian products, supporting local industries, and creating market opportunities. The event took place at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia. The ICPC had previously accused the promoter, George Buchi Nwabueze, of operating the organization without presidential authorization, which resulted in three permanent secretaries being suspended.

Despite the controversy, the organization continued to promote itself as a public-private initiative, citing Executive Orders 003 of 2017 and 005 of 2018 as its legal basis. The management claimed that the organization had approached the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to contest the removal of the project from the OSGF framework.

The organization had also listed public officials, including Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, as attendees at its events.