By Our Correspondent
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an eight-count charge against former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, over alleged contract fraud during his supervision of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
This development explains why EFCC operatives arrested the former minister earlier in the week, as the anti-graft agency moves to prosecute what it describes as a pattern of contract abuses linked to Ngige’s tenure.
According to our Correspondent who obtained a copy of the charge, Ngige is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday before the FCT High Court in 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 used his office to unlawfully award multiple contracts to associates and companies connected to him.
In Count One, the EFCC alleges that between September 2015 and May 2023, Ngige “used his position to confer an unfair advantage upon Cezimo Nigeria Limited,” a firm linked to his associate, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles. The company reportedly received seven consultancy, training, and supply contracts valued at ₦366,470,920.68, in violation of Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The charge sheet also lists several other companies allegedly favoured by the former minister. Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also linked to Charles, reportedly received eight NSITF contracts worth ₦583,682,686.00.
Jeff & Xris Limited, connected to Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, is said to have secured eight contracts valued at ₦362,043,163.16.
Another beneficiary, Olde English Consolidated Limited, whose Managing Director is Uzoma Igbonwa, allegedly received four contracts for consultancy, training, and construction totalling ₦668,138,141.00. Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, also linked to Igbonwa, reportedly obtained four additional contracts worth ₦161,604,625.00.
Ngige is expected to take his plea on Friday as the EFCC pursues what it calls a broader investigation into procurement activities at the NSITF during his stewardship.
