EFCC witness alleges Ngige awarded N80 million NSITF contract exterior bidding
A witness within the trial of former Anambra State governor and ex-Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, has informed a Federal Capital Territory Excessive Courtroom in Gwarimpa, Abuja, that an N80 million contract for the NSITF Makurdi workplace was awarded to an organization that didn’t bid for it.
This was disclosed in a press release posted on the {Economic} and {Financial} Crimes Fee (EFCC) official X account on Wednesday.
The witness, Mr. Pedro Torwuese Chellen, mentioned his firm had competed for the contract however petitioned the EFCC after discovering the alleged irregularity.
In response to the assertion, Mr. Chellen, an entrepreneur and challenge supervisor of Imanil Haq Nigeria Restricted, informed the courtroom that the contract was awarded underneath Chris Ngige’s oversight.
After failing to get solutions from NSITF administration, he approached the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). The BPP confirmed that the profitable firm had not participated within the bidding course of.
“The First Prosecution Witness, PW1 Mr Pedro Torwuese Chellen within the trial of former governor of Anambra State and former Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige on Wednesday January 28, 2026 informed a Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Excessive Courtroom, Gwarimpa, Abuja, and presided over by Justice M.A. Hassan mentioned that the corporate that received the contract for renovation of Nigeria Social Insurance coverage Belief Fund NSITF, Makurdi workplace at the price of N80 million (Eighty Million Naira solely) didn’t participate within the contract bidding,” the assertion learn partially.
Mr. Chellen additionally raised considerations a few change within the contract title, from “Renovation of Makurdi Workplace” to “Development of Makurdi Workplace.”
His statements had been taken by the EFCC in 2023 as a part of the investigation into NSITF procurement practices.
The assertion famous that in cross-examination by the defence, Mr. Chellen mentioned his petition focused the NSITF administration board.
The matter has been adjourned to January 29, 2026, for continuation of the trial.
The {Economic} and {Financial} Crimes Fee (EFCC) had in December 2025 arraigned former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, over allegations of corruption.
Ngige is the only defendant in an eight-count cost marked FCT/HC/CR/726/2025. The costs, filed on December 9, had been ready by EFCC prosecutors led by Sylvanus Tahir, SAN.
Ngige additionally faces costs of accepting {financial} items from contractors whereas serving as minister. The costs embody receiving N38.65 million, N55 million, and N26.13 million by means of organisations linked to him.
The EFCC claims these actions violate Sections 17(a) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Different Associated Offences Act 2000.
The {Economic} and {Financial} Crimes Fee (EFCC) opposed a bail software by former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, after his arraignment in December 2025.
The fee urged the courtroom to deal with his bail request with warning.