The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has filed an eight count charge against the former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, accusing him of using his office to favour associates through a series of contract awards during his tenure.
The charge, signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sylvanus Tahir and five other lawyers on behalf of the EFCC, was filed at the FCT High Court in Gwarimpa.
According to a copy of the charge reports obtained by our reporter, Ngige will be arraigned on Friday.
According to the document dated October 31, the EFCC alleges that Ngige, while serving as the supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund between September 2015 and May 2023, used his position to confer what the commission described as an unfair advantage on companies linked to his close associates.
In count one, the former minister is accused of awarding seven consultancy, training and supply contracts worth ₦366,470,920.68 to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a company whose managing director and alter ego, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, is believed to be his associate.
Other companies listed in the charge include Zitacom Nigeria Limited, which reportedly received eight contracts worth ₦583,682,686.00, and Jeff and Xris Limited, said to have benefited from eight contracts totalling ₦362,043,163.16. The EFCC notes that the MDs of these companies are also linked to Ngige.
The anti graft agency also stated that Olde English Consolidated Limited received four contracts valued at ₦668,138,141.00 while Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited secured four contracts worth ₦161,604,625.00. Both companies are associated with Uzoma Igbonwa.
The EFCC maintains that the awards violated section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Ngige is expected to appear in court on Friday to take his plea.
