By Crystal Ugoeze
Former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, was on Friday morning arraigned before the FCT High Court in Gwarimpa by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged contract fraud during his supervision of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
The charges, filed by EFCC prosecutor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sylvanus Tahir, accuse Ngige of abusing his office by awarding contracts reportedly worth over ₦2 billion to companies linked to his associates between 2015 and 2023.
According to the charge sheet dated October 31, the EFCC alleges that Ngige conferred undue advantage on several firms, including Cezimo Nigeria Limited, said to be linked to Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles. The company allegedly received seven contracts valued at ₦366,470,920.68 for consultancy, training, and supplies.
Other companies listed include Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also linked to Ezebinwa, which purportedly got eight contracts worth ₦583,682,686.00; Jeff & Xris Limited, reportedly connected to Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, which allegedly secured eight contracts valued at ₦362,043,163.16; and Olde English Consolidated Limited, linked to Uzoma Igbonwa, which reportedly received four contracts worth ₦668,138,141.00.
Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, also associated with Igbonwa, is said to have received four contracts totalling ₦161,604,625.00.
Ngige pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court subsequently took arguments on his bail application, with the EFCC indicating that the case forms part of a broader probe into procurement activities under his watch at the NSITF. The judge adjourned the matter for ruling on bail and commencement of trial.