Workers’ salaries, Work not done, Jobs, Conciliation, Collective Bargaining Agreement, Minimum wage, Presidential race, FG, PDP governor, Ngige, ASUU, Presidential ticket, Without Buhari

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will on Friday arraign the former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, before an FCT High Court in Gwarimpa over allegations of corruption and contract fraud totalling N2.14 billion.

Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State, is the sole defendant in an eight-count charge filed by the EFCC.

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The charges accuse him of abusing his office between September 2015 and May 2023 while supervising the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

According to the charge sheet, Ngige allegedly used his position to award multiple consultancy, training, supply, and construction contracts to companies linked to his close associates.

EFCC detains ex-minister Ngige

These include Cezimo Nigeria Limited (N366.4m), Zitacom Nigeria Limited (N583.6m), Jeff & Xris Limited (N362m), Olde English Consolidated Limited (N668m), and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited (N161.6m).

The EFCC also alleged that the former minister received unlawful gifts and donations amounting to over N119m through the Chris Ngige Campaign Organisation and the Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme from some of the beneficiary companies while performing his official duties.

The offences, according to the EFCC, violate provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and carry serious penalties upon conviction.

The Star

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