EFCC Arraigns Ex-Labour Minister Chris Ngige Over Alleged Multi-Billion-Naira NSITF Contract Scandal
Authorities are set to arraign former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, on Friday before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Gwarimpa Division, on allegations of corruption arising from his tenure in office. The former Anambra governor is listed as the sole defendant in an eight-count charge.
PulseNets learnt that the charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, was dated October 31 and filed on December 9 by a legal team led by Sylvanus Tahir. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission alleged that the offences were committed during Ngige’s service under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to filings obtained by PulseNets, the first count alleges that, between September 2015 and May 2023, Ngige—while supervising the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)—“used his position to confer an unfair advantage on Cezimo Nigeria Limited”, a company linked to his associate, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles. NSITF allegedly awarded seven consultancy, training, and supply contracts totalling N366,470,920.68 to the firm.
The second charge asserts that the former minister “conferred an unfair advantage on Zitacom Nigeria Limited”, another company connected to Charles, through the award of eight contracts worth N583,682,686.
In count three, Ngige is accused of granting favourable treatment to Jeff & Xris Limited, owned by his associate Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, through the award of eight consultancy, supply, and training contracts amounting to N362,043,163.16.
The fourth count alleges that the ex-minister similarly used his office to benefit Olde English Consolidated Limited, linked to associate Uzoma Igbonwa, through four NSITF contracts valued at N668,138,141.
Count five states that Ngige awarded four NSITF supply, training, and consultancy contracts worth N161,604,625 to Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, another company associated with Igbonwa.
PulseNets reported that counts six, seven, and eight all centre on alleged illicit gifts received through organisations linked to Ngige.
In count six, he is accused of “corruptly accepting N38,650,000 through the Senator (Dr) Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organisation from Cezimo Nigeria Limited”, an NSITF contractor.
The seventh count claims he “corruptly accepted N55,003,000 through the Senator (Dr) Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme from Zitacom Nigeria Limited”, also a contractor of the fund.
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Count eight alleges another “corrupt gift of N26,130,000 from Jeff & Xris Limited through the Senator (Dr) Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme”.
The case is expected to draw significant national attention as proceedings commence.
