Chris Ngige’s ₦2.26 Billion Contract Trial Hears Evidence About Presidential Directives

A witness in the trial of former Labour Minister Chris Ngige has testified about presidential directives linked to an investigation into the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). The EFCC case concerns alleged abuse of office and contract awards worth about ₦2.26 billion during Ngige’s time in office. Ngige has denied the allegations, and the charges remain before the court. At a hearing in the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, prosecution witness Onwusoro Maduka Iheamelam said he served on a presidential investigative panel examining NSITF activities under Ngige’s supervision. Iheamelam, a permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, told the court he received a presidential directive to implement decisions arising from the panel’s findings. According to his testimony, those decisions covered procurement functions and other NSITF activities during the period under investigation. The hearing also included a dispute over access to the witness’s statements. Defence lawyer P.I.N. Ikwueto asked the prosecution to provide the original documents for examination. Prosecutor Sylvanus Tahir objected, saying the defence should formally seek certified true copies if it wanted them. The EFCC has filed an eight-count charge against Ngige, alleging abuse of office and fraudulent contract awards valued at ₦2,261,722,535.84. The allegations concern contracts awarded while he was Labour Minister and overseeing the NSITF. They have not been established as fact, and the proceedings are ongoing. Justice M.A. Hassan adjourned the case until February 9, 10 and 11, 2027, for continuation of the trial. The latest testimony focused on the panel’s work and the directives said to have followed its findings; the court has yet to reach a decision on the charges.