The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has lodged an eight-count charge against Chris Ngige, the former Minister of Labour and Productivity.
Reports regarding the charges indicate that the former governor of Anambra State will face arraignment on Friday at the FCT High Court located in Gwarimpa, Abuja.
According to the charge, which is dated October 31 and was filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sylvanus Tahir along with five other lawyers representing the EFCC, the anti-corruption agency claims that Ngige misused his ministerial position to grant undue advantages by awarding various contracts to his associates and companies believed to be under his ownership.
In Count 1, it is alleged that between September 2015 and May 2023, while serving as the supervising Minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Ngige conferred an unfair advantage to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a company whose Managing Director/CEO, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, is thought to be his associate.
He reportedly awarded seven different contracts for consultancy, training, and supply to this company, amounting to N366,470,920.68, thus committing an offence that is contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000.
Other companies cited in the charges include Zitacom Nigeria Limited, whose MD/CEO, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, was granted eight contracts for supply, training, and consultancy with the NSITF totaling N583,682,686.00; and Jeff & Xris Limited, whose MD/CEO, Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, also received eight contracts worth N362,043,163.16.
Additionally, Olde English Consolidated Limited, led by MD/CEO Uzoma Igbonwa, was awarded four contracts for consultancy, training, and construction by the NSITF, amounting to N668,138,141.00; and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, whose MD/CEO and alter ego, Uzoma.