EFCC v. Chris Ngige: Witness Testifies on Alleged Irregular NSITF Contract
A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Anambra State Governor and ex‑Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has informed the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Gwarimpa Division, that a contract valued at ₦80 million for the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Makurdi office was awarded to a company that did not participate in the bidding process.
The testimony was disclosed in proceedings before Hon. Justice M.A. Hassan on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, and was also referenced in a statement issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The witness, Mr. Pedro Torwuese Chellen, entrepreneur and project manager of Imanil Haq Nigeria Limited, stated that his company had duly competed for the contract but later petitioned the EFCC upon discovering the alleged irregularity.
He explained that after failing to obtain clarification from NSITF management, he approached the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), which confirmed that the company awarded the contract had not submitted any bid.
Chellen further raised concerns that the contract title was altered from “Renovation of Makurdi Office” to “Construction of Makurdi Office”, and that the contract sum was subsequently increased from ₦80 million to ₦120 million.
During cross‑examination, Mr. Chellen clarified that his petition was directed at the NSITF management board. He admitted that he had not attended any board meetings but became aware through media reports that the board was later reconstituted.
The EFCC had, in December 2025, arraigned Dr. Ngige on an eight‑count charge marked FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, alleging corruption and abuse of office during his oversight of the NSITF between September 2015 and May 2023.
The prosecution, led by Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, contends that Ngige unlawfully conferred advantage on companies linked to associates, including: Cezimo Nigeria Limited, Zitacom Nigeria Limited, Jeff & Xris Limited, Olde English Consolidated Limited and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services
It is further alleged that Ngige accepted financial benefits from contractors while serving as minister, including payments of ₦38.65 million, ₦55 million, and ₦26.13 million through organisations connected to him.
The EFCC maintains that these actions contravene Sections 17(a) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The matter has been adjourned to January 29, 2026, for continuation of trial.
