Chris Ngige
Office 1Minister of Labour and Employment Nigeria[1][2]
Term start 111 November 2015
Term end 129 May 2023
President 1Muhammadu Buhari
Predecessor 1Chukwuemeka Ngozichineke Wogu
Successor 1Simon Lalong
Office 2Governor of Anambra State
Term start 229 May 2003
Term end 217 March 2006
Predecessor 2Chinwoke Mbadinuju
Successor 2Peter Obi
Office 3Senator for Anambra Central
Term start 36 June 2011
Term end 36 June 2015
Predecessor 3Annie Okonkwo
Successor 3Uche Ekwunife
Birth nameChris Nwabueze Ngige
Birth date8 August 1952 (age 74)
PartyAll Progressives Congress (APC)
Alma materUniversity of Nigeria Nsukka

Chris Nwabueze Ngige Listen (born 8 August 1952) is a Nigerian politician and medical doctor who served as minister of Labour and Employment of Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari's administration from 2015 to 2023.[3][4][5][6] He was elected Senator for Anambra Central Constituency in April 2011.[7] He was the governor of Anambra State[8] in Nigeria from May 2003 to March 2006 under the People's Democratic Party (PDP).[9][10]

Background

A medical doctor by profession, Ngige graduated from the University of Nigeria-Nsukka in 1979.[11][12] Chris immediately went into the civil service, serving at the National Assembly and state house clinics at different times. He retired in 1998 as a deputy director in the Federal Ministry of Health.[13]

Political career

Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige entered politics, becoming a member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).[14][15] In 1999, he was Assistant National Secretary and Zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South East region of Nigeria.[16]

In 2003, he was elected governor of Anambra State in controversial circumstances.[17][12] He quickly broke ranks with his political godfather, Chris Uba the brother of Andy Uba, after an unsuccessful attempt on 10 July 2003 to have him removed from office, through a fabricated letter of resignation which the state assembly accepted.[18] In August, 2006, an Election Tribunal led by Justice Nabaruma nullified Ngige's 2003 victory.[19] He appealed to the Nigerian Federal Court of Appeal, but the annulment was confirmed on 15 March 2006, in a judgment awarding victory to Peter Obi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).[20] No further appeals were possible, and Ngige accepted the judgment in good faith, calling on the people of Anambra to give their support to his successor.[21]

Following Peter Obi's subsequent impeachment, Ngige attempted to participate in state governorship elections in April 2007, but was frustrated by the Independent National Electoral Commission[22] and federal 'disqualification', even after a Federal High Court had voided the disqualification. In the final event, Obi's impeachment was overturned anyway, and Obi served out his four years.[23] At the time, Ngige was also severely criticized for appearing naked at the dreaded Okija voodoo shrine during his campaign to be made governor.[24]

On 6 February 2010, Ngige again contested for the governorship of Anambra State.[25] Other notable politicians who contested with him included Andy Uba, Charles Soludo, Nicholas Ukachukwu, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, Ralph Nwosu, and the incumbent governor, Peter Obi. In all, there were 25 candidates for that election. Peter Obi won that election and started his second term as the governor of Anambra State.[26]

In April 2011, Ngige ran for election for senator of Anambra Central, on the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) platform.[27] After voting problems in some areas of the constituency on 9 April, the election in these areas was held on 25 April and Ngige was declared the winner over former Minister of Information and Communications Professor Dora Akunyili of the APGA, with 69,765 votes to Akunyili's 69,292.[7]

Ngige's tenure as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ended following his defeat in the 2015 election by Hon. Mrs Uche Ekwunife who was sworn in as the senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly of Nigeria.[26]

On 11 November 2015, Ngige was named minister of Labour and Employment by President Muhammadu Buhari.[28] In 2019, Chris Ngige was nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari as a returning minister for screening by the National Assembly.[29] On 21 August 2019, he was sworn in by the president[30] as the Minister of Labour and Employment.[31]

On 19 April 2022, Ngige declared interest to run for the post of the President of the Republic of Nigeria under the All Progressive Congress (APC)'s banner. The experienced politician, who had served as Governor of Anambra State, Senator and Minister described himself as "jack of all trade and masters of all".[32]

Controversies and fraud allegations

Electoral and political controversies

Ngige's 2003 election as Governor of Anambra State was controversial. His victory was later nullified in March 2006 by the Court of Appeal, which declared Peter Obi of the APGA the rightful winner. He accepted the ruling.[33] A 2012 profile also noted his election was annulled by the courts on grounds of "electoral malpractice".[34]

2025 fraud charges and arraignment

On 12 December 2025, Ngige was arraigned before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarinpa, Abuja, on an eight-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).[35][36] The charges relate to his tenure as the supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) between September 2015 and May 2023.[37] The EFCC alleges Ngige used his position to confer unfair advantages on companies linked to his associates by awarding contracts. The charges are brought under Sections 19 and 17(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.[38][39]

Ngige is separately accused of corruptly accepting monetary gifts totaling ₦119.78 million from these contractors. The funds were allegedly funneled through entities named the "Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organisation" and the "Senator (Dr) Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme".[40][41]

Ngige pleaded not guilty to all charges.[42][35]

See also

References

  1. ^ Nwafor, Gloria (2022-06-08). "Union hails Ngige for ceding ambition to resolve education sector's crisis". The Guardian. Retrieved 2022-06-16.
  2. ^ "2023: Ngige joins presidential race". Premium Times. 2022-04-18. Retrieved 2022-06-16.
  3. ^ Angbulu, Stephen (2022-06-22). "ASUU'll call off strike soon, says Ngige". The Punch. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  4. ^ Egobiambu, Emmanuel. "ASUU Strike Will Be Resolved Soon, Ngige Assures Nigerians". Channels TV. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  5. ^ "Ngige: FG will resolve issues on ASUU strike very soon". TheCable. 2022-06-22. Retrieved 2022-06-23.
  6. ^ Opejobi, Seun (2022-06-22). "ASUU strike to end soon - Labour minister, Ngige assures". Daily Post. Retrieved 2022-06-23.
  7. ^ Onu, Nwanosike (2011-04-28). "How Ngige floored Akunyili in Anambra Central". The Nation. Archived from the original on 2011-05-02. Retrieved 2011-04-27.
  8. ^ Ajani, Jide & Aziken, Emmanuel (2011-02-13). "ntrigues stall Ribadu's choice of running mate". Vanguard. Retrieved 2011-02-14.
  9. ^ Olayinka, Collins & Osibe, Osiberoha (2022-01-02). "2023: Ngige roots for Southern president". The Guardian. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  10. ^ Oyero, Kayode (2022-05-13). "Breaking: Ngige pulls out of presidential race, retains ministerial seat". The Punch. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  11. ^ Ezigbo, Onyebuchi (2020-01-11). "Chris Ngige: I Married as an Overgrown Adult At 41". This Day. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
  12. ^ "For the Record: Official citations of Buhari's ministers, SGF". Premium Times. 2019-08-21. Retrieved 2022-06-23.
  13. ^ Aziken, Emmanuel (2013-11-14). "Anambra: The four titans". Vanguard. Retrieved 2019-01-28.
  14. ^ "The Honourable Minister – Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment". Retrieved 2020-04-30.
  15. ^ Anyadiora, Justus (2015-08-13). "Ngige at 63: Celebrating an exception". The Guardian. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  16. ^ "Chris Ngige Biography and Detailed Profile". Politicians Data. 2018-05-25. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
  17. ^ "Nigerian States". World Statesmen. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
  18. ^ Jason, Pini (2012-09-04). "State police and scare mongers (2)". Vanguard. Retrieved 2016-03-08.
  19. ^ Lawal, Fuad (2015-10-07). "8 things to know about Chris Ngige". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  20. ^ "Anambra: The judgments so far". Vanguard. 2009-11-05. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
  21. ^ Temple Chima Ubochi (2007-06-17). "Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State: Consistency; Perseverance [sic] and Patience Are Worthy Virtues". nigeriaworld.com. Archived from the original on 2016-03-08. Retrieved 2016-03-08.
  22. ^ "Nigeria election 2019: Poll halted in last-minute drama". BBC News. 2019-02-16. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
  23. ^ Ezekwere, Ijeoma (2007-02-09). "Nigeria reinstates impeached Anambra state governor". Reuters. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
  24. ^ Ujumadu, Vincent (2015-08-25). "'Okija Shrine: No longer a bee-hive of activities for politicians". Vanguard. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  25. ^ Ujumadu, Vincent (2009-10-10). "Anambra 2010: Meet the candidates". Vanguard. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  26. ^ "10 things to know about Chris Ngige". Newsday. 2015-10-07. Archived from the original on 2015-10-07. Retrieved 2016-01-28.
  27. ^ "Ngige Wins Anambra Central Senatorial election". www.afripol.org. Archived from the original on 2021-03-04. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
  28. ^ "See full list of Buhari's ministers and their portfolios". Vanguard. 2015-11-11. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
  29. ^ Abimbola, Oluwakemi (2019-07-25). "Ministerial nominee: I left PDP when the vehicle was rickety, says Ngige". The Punch. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  30. ^ "Just In: Full List: Buhari assigns portfolios to new Ministers". Oak TV Newstrack. 2019-08-21. Archived from the original on 2019-08-26. Retrieved 2019-08-26.
  31. ^ "Fashola gets Works as Ngige, Amaechi, Lai retain portfolios". The Nation. 2019-08-22. Retrieved 2019-08-24.
  32. ^ "2023 Election: Senator Chris Ngige Declares Interest to Contest for President". News About Nigeria. 2022-04-19.
  33. ^ "Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige". Nnewi City Portal | Anambra State, Nigeria. 2020-05-25. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  34. ^ "Chris Nwabueze Ngige | Profile | Africa Confidential". www.africa-confidential.com. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  35. ^ Akpan, Nsikakabasi (2025-12-12). "Chris Ngige Remanded in Kuje Prison Over N2.2 Billion Contract Fraud Charges". CareTaker News Now. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  36. ^ Musa, Deborah (2025-12-12). "Ex-labour minister Ngige arraigned, remanded in Kuje prison". The Punch. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  37. ^ "Chris Ngige: Court remand former labour minister for Kuje prison sake of corruption accuse". BBC News Pidgin. 2025-12-12. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  38. ^ Lawal, Kayode (2025-12-12). "Alleged N2.2bn fraud: Ngige to remain in Kuje Prison till Dec 15". Daily Post. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  39. ^ Daniel, Falmata (2025-12-12). "Court sends ex-minister Ngige to prison over N2.2 billion fraud charges". Premium Times. ISSN 2360-7688. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  40. ^ Lawal, Kayode (2025-12-12). "Alleged N2.2bn fraud: Ngige to remain in Kuje Prison till Dec 15". Daily Post. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  41. ^ Daniel, Falmata (2025-12-12). "Court sends ex-minister Ngige to prison over N2.2 billion fraud charges". Premium Times. ISSN 2360-7688. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  42. ^ "Chris Ngige: Court remand former labour minister for Kuje prison sake of corruption accuse". BBC News Pidgin. 2025-12-12. Retrieved 2025-12-12.