It has been alleged that Dr. Chris Ngige, the former Minister of Labour and Employment, was involved in some contracts and jobs racketeering during his tenure. The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has questioned him over these allegations.
According to sources, some of Ngige’s associates were directly involved in selling job slots in the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and defrauding the agency through contracts. The ICPC had previously invited top NSITF officials for questioning regarding the payment of N47 million gratuity to the agency’s immediate-past MD, Mrs. Maureen Allagoa, while she was still serving.
Ngige was reportedly questioned by ICPC detectives for about five hours over his role in awarding contracts in NSITF. The contracts in question include a procurement deal with P2E Technologies for the digitalization and automation of NSITF’s activities and processes, valued at N20 billion.
Sources claim that Ngige hurriedly approved the contract without due diligence, potentially allowing for the withdrawal of N20 billion from NSITF’s coffers. The contract was allegedly prepared and signed in a rush, with minimal oversight.
The ICPC’s investigation into these allegations is ongoing. If found guilty, Ngige and his associates could face charges for corruption and abuse of office.
