The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an eight-count charge against former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, marking a significant escalation in the anti-graft body’s investigation into alleged contract fraud linked to his tenure.
Channels Television judiciary correspondent, Shola Soyele, who obtained a copy of the filing, reports that the former minister is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday before the FCT High Court, Gwarimpa, Abuja.
According to the charge sheet dated October 31 and filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sylvanus Tahir, alongside five other EFCC lawyers, the Commission alleges that Ngige abused his office by awarding multiple contracts to his associates and companies reportedly connected to him.
In Count One, the EFCC alleges that between September 2015 and May 2023, while supervising the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Ngige “used his position to confer an unfair advantage upon Cezimo Nigeria Limited,” a firm allegedly linked to his associate, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles. The company reportedly received seven contracts for consultancy, training, and supplies valued at ₦366,470,920.68. The offence is said to contravene Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The charge also lists several other companies allegedly favoured by the former minister. These include Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also linked to Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, which reportedly received eight NSITF contracts valued at ₦583,682,686.00.
Jeff & Xris Limited, connected to Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, was also said to have secured eight contracts amounting to ₦362,043,163.16.
Additionally, Olde English Consolidated Limited, whose Managing Director, Uzoma Igbonwa, allegedly benefited from four contracts covering consultancy, training, and construction worth ₦668,138,141.00, is named in the charge.
Another company reportedly connected to Igbonwa, Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, is also listed as having received four contracts valued at ₦161,604,625.00.
The former minister is expected to enter a plea when he appears in court on Friday, as the EFCC continues what it describes as a broader probe into procurement activities during his stewardship of the NSITF.
