The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign Mr Chris Ngige, former Minister of Labour and Employment and former Governor of Anambra State, on corruption-related charges.
Ngige will be arraigned at a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja, facing an eight-count charge (FCT/HC/CR/726/2025), in which he is the sole defendant.
The charges, filed on Dec. 9 and dated Oct. 31, allege that Ngige committed the offences while serving as Minister of Labour under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.
In the first five counts, Ngige is accused of using his ministerial position to confer unfair advantage upon companies linked to his associates, including Cezimo Nigeria Limited, Zitacom Nigeria Limited, Jeff & Xris Limited, Olde English Consolidated Limited, and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited. These contracts, awarded through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) for consultancy, training, supply, and construction services, total over N2.14 billion.
The remaining counts (six to eight) allege that Ngige corruptly accepted gifts totaling N119,783,000 through organisations associated with him, including the Chris Ngige Campaign Organisation and Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme, from contractors linked to the NSITF.
The offences are contrary to Sections 17(a) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and are punishable under Section 179(c) of the same Act.
Ngige’s arraignment marks the next stage in the EFCC’s investigation into alleged corruption and abuse of office during his tenure as Labour Minister.
