Former Labour Minister Chris Ngige to be arraigned by EFCC in Abuja on eight-count corruption charges related to NSITF contracts

Former Labour and Employment Minister and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Chris Ngige, is set to be arraigned today at a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged corruption.

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The ex-minister faces eight-count charges marked FCT/HC/CR/726/2025.

Filed on 9 December by a legal team led by Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, the charges allege that between September 2015 and May 2023, Ngige, while supervising the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), used his office to confer unfair advantages on several companies linked to associates.

In the first five counts, Ngige is accused of awarding contracts for consultancy, training, supply and construction to Cezimo Nigeria Limited (N366,470,920.68), Zitacom Nigeria Limited (N583,682,686.00), Jeff & Xris Limited (N362,043,163.16), Olde English Consolidated Limited (N668,138,141.00) and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited (N161,604,625.00).

Counts six to eight allege that Ngige corruptly received gifts through various organisations under his name, including the Senator (Dr) Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organisation and the Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme, totaling N119,783,000 from Cezimo Nigeria Limited, Zitacom Nigeria Limited, and Jeff & Xris Limited.

The charges cite violations of Sections 17(a) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and carry penalties under Section 179(c) of the same Act.

Ngige is the sole defendant in the matter.

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Legal observers say the arraignment marks a significant moment in the EFCC’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts, targeting high-profile public officials and their involvement in procurement and contract administration.