The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, December 10 detained former Labour and Productivity Minister Chris Ngige.
The former Anambra governor, who was arrested at his home, was accused of embezzling N2.2 billion while serving as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) from 2015 to 2023.
What is NSITF?
The term “NSITF” refers to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund. It was founded in 1961 as the National Provident Fund (NPF) by an Act of Parliament.
However, it was renamed the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) in 1993 to provide for employees’ welfare in the event of a work-related accident or injury.
The major goal of its formation is to provide a poverty alleviation measure, as stipulated by the International Labour Organization’s Convention No. 102.
Other goals include giving financial help to workers who are wounded or sick on the job, providing benefits to the dependents of deceased workers, and promoting occupational safety and health to workers.
ACCUSATIONS?
Chris Ngige, former Minister of Labour and Employment, oversaw the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) for eight years.
The late President Muhammadu Buhari awarded cash for social intervention projects from 2019 to 2023, which the NSITF also profited from. However, the amount of ₦2,261,722,535.84 is disputed.
A check by WITHIN NIGERIA discovered that the N2.2 billion can be traced back to contracts issued to many businesses, including Cezimo Nigeria Limited, Zitacom Nigeria Limited, Jeff & Xris Limited, Olde English Consolidated Limited, and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Limited.
The budget includes ₦366,470,920.68 for consultancy, training, and supply contracts with Cezimo Nigeria Limited, ₦583,682,686 for eight contracts with Zitacom Nigeria Limited, ₦362,043,163.16 for eight contracts with Jeff & Xris Limited, ₦668,138,141 for four contracts with Olde English Consolidated Limited, and ₦161,604,625 for four contracts with Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited.
The EFCC further accused Ngige of abusing his office by accepting gifts from contractors, violating sections 17(a) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
ARRAIGNMENT?
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Chris Ngige, former Labour minister, over alleged fraud totaling ₦2,261,722,535.84.
On December 12, 2025, he was charged with eight counts, including alleged contract fraud and misuse of office. He entered a not guilty plea.
The judge ordered him to Kuje prison, with a bail application hearing planned for December 15, 2025.
Patrick Ikwueto, a lawyer for Chris Ngige, requested for release on health grounds, but the prosecution counsel objected, claiming concerns that Ngige would flee or tamper with the investigation.
However, Chris Ngige has been remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja pending the determination of his bail application.
NGIGE AND CHALLENGES?
Some analysts claim that Chris Ngige is no stranger to problems. As governor, Ngige has been embroiled in a number of problems, including kidnapping, forced resignation, confrontation with a political godfather, electoral disputes, and security concerns, among others.
Recall that Ngige was kidnapped by armed police officers on July 10, 2003, and made to write a resignation letter.
However, the resignation was later overturned by the courts, allowing him to continue in office.
He also had a public spat with his political godfather, Chris Uba, who allegedly sought control over government appointments and contracts, resulting in violent riots and attacks on government facilities.
Ngige was ousted from office as governor in 2006 when a court ruled that his opponent, Peter Obi, had won. He also experienced security concerns, such as assassination attempts and attacks on his convoy.