By James
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Dr. Chris Ngige, the former Minister of Labour and Productivity, was on Friday morning docked in the FCT High Court Gwarimpa Abuja 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.
Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, the EFCC prosecutor, who filed the suit, accused Ngige of abusing his office by reportedly awarding contracts said to worth over ₦2 billion to companies linked to his associates between 2015 and 2023.
The EFCC in the charge sheet, which was dated October 31, alleged that Ngige gave undeserved advantage on many companies, such as Cezimo Nigeria Limited. The company, allegedly linked to Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, was said to have received seven contracts valued at ₦366,470,920.68 for consultancy, training, and supplies.
Other companies 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.
The former minister pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Consequently, judge adjourned the matter for ruling on bail and commencement of trial after taking arguments on his bail application, with the EFCC saying that the case is a part of a broader investigation into procurement activities under Ngige’s watch at the NSITF.
