The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is set to arraign former Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige today (Friday) over allegations that he oversaw a web of fraudulent contract awards totalling ₦2,261,722,535.84 during his tenure as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
Court officials confirmed that the case will be heard at the Gwarinpa Division of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, where Ngige is expected to enter a plea.
According to court filings, the former minister faces eight counts ranging from abuse of office to receiving improper financial gifts from contractors with business before the NSITF. The charges span his time in office between September 2015 and May 2023.
In the first count, the EFCC alleges that Ngige conferred “an unfair advantage” on Cezimo Nigeria Limited — a company linked to an associate — by approving seven consultancy, training and supply contracts worth ₦366,470,920.68. The agency says the offence is punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The second count accuses him of awarding eight contracts to Zitacom Nigeria Limited, another firm allegedly linked to an associate, valued at ₦583,682,686. The charge sheet states that Ngige used his ministerial position to steer NSITF business to a company whose chief executive, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, is described as his associate.
Further counts allege that Jeff & Xris Limited received eight NSITF contracts worth ₦362,043,163.16, while Olde English Consolidated Limited secured four contracts valued at ₦668,138,141 — all said to be facilitated through Ngige’s influence. The EFCC claims each of these companies is controlled by individuals identified as his associates.
In an additional charge, prosecutors say four contracts worth ₦161,604,625 were channelled to Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, owned by another associate.
Counts six to eight allege that Ngige corruptly received monetary gifts from NSITF contractors in 2022: ₦38,650,000 from Cezimo Nigeria Limited via his campaign organisation; ₦55,003,000 from Zitacom Nigeria Limited through a scholarship scheme; and ₦26,130,000 from Jeff & Xris Limited.
The anti-graft agency says these actions violate sections 17(a) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Ngige is due to take his plea when the matter comes up in court today.
