Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has filed an eight-count charge against former labour minister Chris Ngige, accusing him of awarding contracts to associates and companies linked to him while in office.
Ngige is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, 11 December, before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarinpa.
In the charge, dated 31 October, the EFCC alleges that between September 2015 and May 2023 — during which Ngige also served as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund — he approved multiple consultancy, training and supply contracts for companies connected to close associates.
The commission said seven contracts valued at ₦366,470,920.68 were awarded to Cezimo Nigeria Ltd., whose managing director, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, is described as an associate of Ngige. The alleged offence violates section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The charge sheet also lists other companies said to have benefited from approvals issued under the former minister:
Zitacom Nigeria Ltd., also managed by Ezebinwa, allegedly received eight contracts worth ₦583,682,686.
Jeff & Xris Ltd., owned by Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, allegedly secured eight contracts totalling ₦362,043,163.16.
Olde English Consolidated Ltd., led by Uzoma Igbonwa, is listed as receiving four contracts for consultancy, training and construction valued at ₦668,138,141.
Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Ltd., also linked to Igbonwa, allegedly received four further contracts worth ₦161,604,625.
Earlier on Thursday, Ngige’s media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, denied rumours that the former minister had been kidnapped, confirming instead that he was in EFCC custody.