The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, before Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Gwarinpa, over allegations of abuse of office and corruption amounting to ₦2.2 billion.
Ngige, who served as Minister under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, arrived at the court premises alongside EFCC officials and pleaded not guilty to the eight-count charge.
Details of the Allegations
The charge, filed on December 9, 2025, alleges that Ngige committed the offenses between September 2015 and May 2023 while serving as the supervising Minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
The allegations largely center on using his position to confer an unfair advantage on companies associated with him by awarding multiple contracts for consultancy, training, supplies, and construction through the NSITF.
Specific sums detailed in the charge include:
- Contracts awarded to Cezimo Nigeria Limited to the tune of ₦366.47 million.
- Contracts awarded to Zitacom Nigeria Limited to the tune of ₦583.68 million.
- Contracts awarded to Jeff & Xris Limited to the tune of ₦362.04 million.
Contracts awarded to Olde English Consolidated Limited to the tune of ₦668.13 million.
Additionally, Ngige is accused of corruptly accepting gifts totaling over ₦119 million through his “Senator (Dr) Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organisation” and “Senator (Dr) Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme” from one of the associated companies.
Court Proceedings
Following Ngige’s not-guilty plea, the court ordered that the former Anambra State Governor be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application, which has been adjourned to Monday, December 15, 2025.
