The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an eight‑count charge against Dr. Chris Ngige, the immediate past Minister of Labour and Productivity, accusing him of alleged contract fraud and abuse of office.
Ngige is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Gwarinpa, Abuja on the charges, which stem from his time as the supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) between September 2015 and May 2023.
According to the charge sheet dated October 31 and filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sylvanus Tahir alongside five other lawyers acting for the EFCC, Ngige allegedly used his position to confer “undue advantage” on companies linked to his associates.
In the first count, the EFCC claims Cezimo Nigeria Limited, whose managing director is described as an associate of Ngige, was awarded seven NSITF contracts worth roughly ₦366.47 million for consultancy, training and supply services. Similar allegations involve companies such as Zitacom Nigeria Limited, Jeff & Xris Limited, Olde English Consolidated Limited, and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, which the commission says received lucrative contracts during Ngige’s tenure.
Additional filings seen by some outlets allege the total value of the charges — including contracts and acceptance of benefits — could amount to more than ₦2.2 billion.
Ngige was reportedly arrested and taken into EFCC custody in Abuja on Wednesday, December 10, prompting public speculation and confusion among his supporters.
His media team clarified that he was in EFCC custody and not kidnapped amid circulating rumours.
The case now awaits Ngige’s arraignment and plea, with court proceedings expected to test the strength of the EFCC’s evidence and the former minister’s defence.
