The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an eight-count charge against former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, with his arraignment scheduled for Friday at the FCT High Court, Gwarimpa, Abuja.
The charge, which was dated October 31 and filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sylvanus Tahir alongside five other EFCC lawyers.
According to the anti-graft agency, Ngige is accused of abusing his office during his tenure as the supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) between September 2015 and May 2023.
The EFCC alleges that he used his position to confer undue advantage on his associates and several companies purported to be linked to him through the award of multiple consultancy, training, supply, and construction contracts.
In Count One, the EFCC claims that Ngige facilitated the award of seven contracts valued at ₦366,470,920.68 to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a company reportedly connected to Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, described as Ngige’s associate.
The alleged action, according to the EFCC, violates Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The charge sheet further lists several other companies allegedly favored with contract awards through the NSITF during Ngige’s tenure:
Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also linked to Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, which reportedly received eight contracts worth ₦583,682,686.00 for consultancy, training, and supply services.
Jeff & Xris Limited, allegedly associated with Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, which was said to have secured eight contracts totaling ₦362,043,163.16.
Olde English Consolidated Limited, led by MD/CEO Uzoma Igbonwa, which reportedly obtained four contracts—covering consultancy, training, and construction—valued at ₦668,138,141.00.
Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, also linked to Uzoma Igbonwa, which allegedly received four contracts worth ₦161,604,625.00.
The EFCC maintains that these contract awards constitute acts of conferring unfair and undue advantage in violation of the law.
Dr. Ngige is expected to appear before the court on Friday to take his plea.
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