The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an eight-count charge against former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, over allegations of contract abuse and misuse of office during his tenure.
Ngige is expected to be arraigned on Friday at the FCT High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja, according to court documents dated October 31 and signed by EFCC lead counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), alongside five other lawyers.
The anti-graft agency alleges that the former minister, who served as the supervising Minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) between September 2015 and May 2023, used his position to confer unlawful advantages on associates and companies believed to be linked to him.
An anonymous source within the EFCC familiar with the case said Ngige, in the first charge, is accused of awarding seven consultancy, training, and supply contracts worth ₦366,470,920.68 to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a company whose managing director, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, is described as his associate. The EFCC says the act contravenes Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The charge sheet also lists several other companies allegedly favoured under Ngige’s supervision at the NSITF:
Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also linked to Ezebinwa, reportedly received eight contracts totalling ₦583,682,686.00 for supply, training, and consultancy.
Jeff & Xris Limited, whose MD is Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, allegedly got eight contracts valued at ₦362,043,163.16.
Olde English Consolidated Limited, owned by Uzoma Igbonwa, reportedly secured four contracts worth ₦668,138,141.00 for consultancy, training, and construction.
Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, also linked to Igbonwa, allegedly received four contracts totalling ₦161,604,625.00.
The EFCC maintains that the contracts were improperly awarded and amounted to the conferring of undue advantage in violation of anti-corruption laws.
Ngige’s arraignment is scheduled to take place before a Gwarimpa High Court judge on Friday. The former minister has not yet issued a public response to the allegations.
