By Emma Okereh
The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has quizzed former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, over his alleged involvement in contract awards and jobs racketeering during his tenure.
Ngige, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, spent five hours with ICPC detectives on Wednesday, addressing concerns about contracts awarded by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
The ICPC’s inquiry focuses on the award and abandonment of the multi-million naira electronic NSITF project, which Ngige had approved during his time as minister. Sources within the ICPC revealed that Ngige was invited to provide clarification on the project, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under Buhari.
Ngige’s invitation came after the ICPC probed top NSITF officials over the payment of N47m gratuity to the agency’s former MD, Maureen Allagoa, while she was still in office. Additionally, an investigative committee established by former Minister Simon Lalong examined alleged irregularities in contract awards worth N1.8bn within the agency.
An ICPC operative confirmed, “Yes, our detectives interacted with him. He had informed us earlier that he was outside the country for medical reasons, so we scheduled his appearance accordingly. He complied with the invitation yesterday.”
The ICPC and EFCC have been investigating these matters, leading to Ngige’s invitation. Although initially absent due to medical check-ups in the United States, Ngige honored the invitation upon his return.
An associate of the former minister clarified that Ngige was not arrested, as some rumors had suggested. Instead, he voluntarily presented himself to the commission to address the allegations. “He was invited to clarify some issues raised by staff, including ministerial and presidential approvals on certain matters. He provided the necessary explanations and left immediately after,” the source explained.
