N2.14B Fraud: How Ngige Allegedly Used His Position to Award Contracts to Himself and Associates, Set for Arraignment Today – EFCC

Chris Ngige, former minister of labour and productivity, is set to be arraigned today by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of fraud involving N2.14 billion. The former minister will appear before a Federal Capital Territory high court in Gwarimpa, Abuja, facing an eight-count charge filed by the commission.

The EFCC alleges that Ngige abused his position while serving as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) between September 2015 and May 2023, awarding multiple contracts to associates and companies connected to him. According to the commission, he approved seven contracts for consultancy, training, and supply to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, valued at N366,470,920.68. The company’s managing director, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, is identified as an associate of Ngige.

Other companies reportedly benefiting from the former minister’s approval of contracts include Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also linked to Ezebinwa, which allegedly received eight contracts worth N583,682,686. Jeff & Xris Limited, owned by Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, is said to have secured eight contracts valued at N362,043,163.16. Olde English Consolidated Limited, led by Uzoma Igbonwa, allegedly received four contracts totaling N668,138,141, while Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, also associated with Igbonwa, reportedly received four contracts worth N161,604,625.

The EFCC stated that these actions constitute violations of Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. Earlier today, Ngige’s media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, clarified that the former minister was not kidnapped, confirming that he is currently in EFCC custody pending arraignment.