The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an eight-count charge against former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, in a move that escalates the agency’s investigation into alleged contract fraud during his tenure.
Ngige is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, December 12, 2025, before the FCT High Court, Gwarimpa, Abuja.
According to the charge sheet dated October 31 and filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sylvanus Tahir alongside five other EFCC lawyers, the Commission alleges that Ngige abused his office by awarding multiple contracts to associates and companies linked to him.
In Count One, the EFCC claims that between September 2015 and May 2023, while overseeing the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Ngige “used his position to confer an unfair advantage upon Cezimo Nigeria Limited,” a company allegedly connected to Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles. The firm reportedly received seven contracts for consultancy, training, and supplies valued at ₦366,470,920.68, an offence said to contravene Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Other companies named in the charge include:
- Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also linked to Charles, which allegedly secured eight NSITF contracts worth ₦583,682,686.00
- Jeff & Xris Limited, connected to Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, which reportedly received eight contracts totaling ₦362,043,163.16
- Olde English Consolidated Limited, whose Managing Director, Uzoma Igbonwa, allegedly benefited from four contracts covering consultancy, training, and construction valued at ₦668,138,141.00
- Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, also linked to Igbonwa, said to have received four contracts worth ₦161,604,625.00
Ngige is expected to enter a plea when he appears in court, as the EFCC continues its broader investigation into procurement activities during his leadership of the NSITF.