Former Labour and Productivity Minister, Chris Ngige, has been remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations of abuse of office and award of N2,261,722,535.84 worth of contracts to associates.
Ngige, who pleaded not guilty on Thursday at the FCT High Court, Gwarimpa, faces eight charges including abuse of office and receiving gifts from contractors linked to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), where he served as supervising minister between September 2015 and May 2023.
Justice Maryam Hassan ordered Ngige’s remand pending the hearing of his bail application, scheduled for Monday, December 14.
According to the October 31 charge filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sylvanus Tahir and five other lawyers for the EFCC, Ngige “used his position to confer undue advantage on associates through multiple contracts.”
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The EFCC alleges that Ngige awarded: Cezimo Nigeria Limited – 7 contracts totaling ₦366,470,920.68; Zitacom Nigeria Limited – 8 contracts worth ₦583,682,686.00; Jeff & Xris Limited – 8 contracts totaling ₦362,043,163.16; Olde English Consolidated Limited – 4 contracts totaling ₦668,138,141.00 and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited – 4 contracts totaling ₦161,604,625.00.
The EFCC further alleges that the companies’ directors and CEOs are Ngige’s associates, and that the contracts were for consultancy, training, supply, and construction services.
Ngige’s arraignment marks a dramatic escalation in the fight against corruption targeting former high-ranking officials, as investigators intensify scrutiny over public contract awards during his tenure.
