The ICPC is investigating former Labour Minister Chris Ngige over allegations of contract fraud and job racketeering at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). Ngige, who served under President Buhari’s administration, is cooperating with the inquiry, though he has not been arrested or formally charged.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) recently interrogated Chris Ngige, the former Minister of Labour and Employment, regarding alleged involvement in contract fraud and job racketeering. The inquiry revolves around accusations linked to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), an agency under the Ministry of Labour, which has faced numerous corruption allegations.
Ngige, who served in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for eight years, oversaw NSITF during his tenure. The ICPC investigation follows charges made by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in January 2023, involving Adebayo Aderibigbe, a former general manager at NSITF, accused of N60,400,000 fraud.
The ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, confirmed that Ngige is cooperating with the investigation, emphasizing that the former minister was neither arrested nor detained. Bakare clarified that Ngige is providing assistance to the commission and not under any formal charges at this point.
The probe into Ngige’s involvement comes amid heightened scrutiny of NSITF, an organization plagued by longstanding allegations of financial mismanagement. The investigation is expected to focus on potential irregularities in contract awards and job recruitment practices under Ngige’s oversight. However, details about specific accusations against the former minister remain under wraps as the inquiry progresses.
