Made-in-Nigeria North Zonal Director Nominee Clarifies Role, Denies Operational Involvement

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

Legal practitioner and entrepreneur, Hafsat Sahabi Dange, has clarified her involvement in the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project, saying she was only nominated for a proposed position and never exercised any governmental or operational authority on behalf of the project.

Dange made the clarification in a public statement following recent media reports linking her name and photographs to an ongoing investigation into the project.

According to her, her association with the project began in 2025 after she was informed that she had been nominated as the proposed Sokoto State Coordinator.

“I did not establish the project, create its structure, administer its affairs or determine its purported governmental status,” Dange said.

She explained that she understood, based on representations made to her, that the project was a Federal Government initiative and that she was unaware of any alleged lack of government authorisation.

Dange further stated that when she received a letter concerning her nomination addressed to the Sokoto State Governor, she sought clarification on the appropriate governmental protocol rather than presenting herself as a Federal Government representative.

She said she was later informed during the inauguration that the Sokoto State Government did not recognise her nomination and, consequently, she neither assumed the position nor exercised any purported governmental authority.

“I did not collect money from members of the public, receive or administer public funds, enter into contracts on behalf of the project, issue governmental licences or approvals, recruit personnel, or otherwise exercise governmental or operational authority on its behalf,” she stated.

Dange also said she received no financial or other improper benefit from the project and expressed her willingness to cooperate fully with any competent investigative authority.

She, however, expressed concern that media reports and the circulation of her photographs could create an inaccurate impression of her involvement.

“I respectfully urge the media and members of the public to distinguish between being nominated for a proposed position and knowingly participating in the operation of an alleged unauthorised or fraudulent organisation,” she said.

Dange said her professional record had been built around integrity, entrepreneurship, women’s economic empowerment, mentorship and public service, adding that she remained committed to contributing to the development of entrepreneurs and communities.

She appealed for restraint in public commentary, urging that facts concerning the roles and state of knowledge of individuals involved be established through appropriate investigative and legal processes.

“I will continue to do what I have always done — learn, build, mentor, serve and contribute to the development of entrepreneurs and communities,” she added.