The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign Dr. Chris Ngige, former Minister of Labour and Employment, before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja, on Friday over allegations of corruption.
Dr. Ngige, who also served as Governor of Anambra State, faces an eight-count charge, case number FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, with the former minister being the sole defendant.
The charges, filed on December 9, 2025, accuse him of abusing his office between September 2015 and May 2023 to confer undue advantages on companies associated with his close associates.
According to the EFCC, Ngige allegedly awarded multiple contracts through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) to companies such as Cezimo Nigeria Limited, Zitacom Nigeria Limited, Jeff & Xris Limited, Olde English Consolidated Limited, and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, amounting to over N2 billion collectively.
The contracts, reportedly for consultancy, training, supply, and construction services, were said to have favoured companies tied to Ngige’s associates.
In addition to the contract awards, Ngige is accused of accepting substantial “gifts” through organisations linked to him.
The charges list payments ranging from N26 million to over N55 million from various contractors, allegedly received while he was performing official duties as Minister of Labour.
The alleged offences contravene provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, specifically Sections 17(a) and 19, which prescribe penalties for abuse of office and corrupt enrichment.
Ngige’s arraignment is being closely watched as a test of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to hold public officials accountable and strengthen anti-corruption enforcement.
The trial will be presided over by the FCT High Court, and legal teams representing the former minister are expected to present their defence in the coming proceedings.
