Ngige Sets Up Panel On Alleged N3.4bn NSITF Fraud

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, on Thursday inaugurated a Presidential Joint Board Audit Investigation Panel to probe alleged N3.4bn financial infractions levelled against the suspended Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Adebayo Somefun, and three other directors.

The committee is chaired by Ibrahim Khaleel of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Chairman of the Audit Committee of the NSITF board.

The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, William Alo, said the eight-member committee had three weeks to submit its report.

Somefun, three directors and 10 management staff were suspended by the minister over allegations of financial infractions and procurement breaches.

Speaking while inaugurating the panel in Abuja, the minister said the NSITF was a government-owned entity established to address the socio-economic needs of workers.

Khaleel promised that the committee would carry out its duty justly and with the fear of God.