In the ongoing trial concerning N2.2 billion in fraud involving former Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige, his defence team argued on Thursday that Ngige legitimately managed the procurement processes for the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), a parastatal under his ministry, based on a presidential directive.
However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is prosecuting Ngige in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, countered his argument by citing a letter from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
The second witness for the prosecution, Kelly Nwagha, who formerly served as the Acting Managing Director of the NSITF, maintained that the BPP holds exclusive legal responsibility for managing NSITF contracts.
Nwagha testified that the BPP had previously sent an officer to oversee projects at the NSITF, indicating the agency's regulatory authority.
The BPP, established to ensure transparency and competition in federal procurement processes, remains in charge of federal public contracts. It was noted that the NSITF is one of five agencies functioning under the Ministry of Labour, intended to provide social welfare and compensation to employees affected by work-related incidents.
Nwagha stated he had personally sought clarification from the BPP regarding their oversight capabilities concerning NSITF procurements.
He confirmed that the BPP's response indicated it was solely charged with managing the procurements of the NSITF. In cross-examination, Ngige's defence attorney, Patrick Ikwueto, inquired whether there was explicit authorization from the Presidency allowing the Ministry of Labour to govern the NSITF's procurement activities. Nwagha responded that he was aware of a report stating that the minister had oversight for a year, but he did not receive a document confirming this claim.
Pushed on the inconsistency between the BPP’s findings and this oversight claim, he affirmed that he was not part of the BPP but had communicated relevant information to Ngige.
Ngige is now facing a total of eight counts, such as receiving bribes from NSITF contractors and favouring certain individuals when awarding contracts as the minister.
These allegations stem from various contracts linked to the NSITF during his tenure.
The EFCC arrested Ngige on December 10 and subsequently arraigned him on December 12, facing multiple charges including awarding numerous contracts worth over N366 million to a firm, Cezimo Nigeria Limited, owned by an associate, Ezebinwa Charles, without proper bidding procedures.
Further accusations include awarding contracts exceeding N583 million to another of Charles’ companies and preferentially treating additional firms linked with other associates.
The anti-graft agency also alleged that Ngige received bribes via his campaign organization from contractors connected to the NSITF, with notable sums from Cezimo Nigeria Limited and several others.
The charges infringe sections of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, as per EFCC claims that the reported corruption transpired while Ngige served as Labour Minister during President Buhari's administration.
Despite the serious allegations, Ngige has denied all charges against him.
Earlier in the court sessions, EFCC presented four pieces of evidence through witness Nwagha, including a letter from Ngige with endorsements, a letter written to the BPP, and a circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Nwagha narrated that the BPP’s reply stated that neither the NSITF nor the Ministry of Labour possessed the authority to handle NSITF procurements, and outlined that the BPP had the right to assign a procurement officer to the NSITF, emphasizing that reforms were not advisable for the ministry or NSITF.
When cross-examined about any BPP correspondence to the Labour Ministry, Nwagha replied that he had seen none, adding that his tenure witnessed minimal procurement advertisements apart from a few office rentals aimed at reducing operational costs.
The trial, overseen by Judge Maryam Hassan, has been set to resume on April 21.
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