Ex-NSITF Boss Akabogu Accuses Chris Ngige of Forced Resignation, ‘Phantom’ Contracts

The embattled former Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Dr. Michael Akabogu who was removed from office in February 2023, has filed an explosive petition detailing a culture of systemic corruption, “phantom” contracts, and physical abuse allegedly orchestrated by former Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Dr. Chris Ngige.

The petition which was sent to the Economic Confidential was undated.

​However, official government records provide a sharp contrast, stating that Akabogu was dismissed by President Muhammadu Buhari following a police investigation that confirmed he allegedly forged his NYSC Discharge Certificate.

In a detailed memo, Dr. Akabogu alleges that his February 2023 removal was the climax of a long-standing refusal to facilitate the “looting” of the Fund by a “clique” comprising the Minister and key internal officials.

Dr. Akabogu claims that his inauguration was marred by coercion. He alleges that immediately after his 2021 appointment, Ngige forced him to sign an undated resignation letter as a “condition” for office. This letter was reportedly held as a “sword of Damocles” to ensure his absolute loyalty to the Minister’s procurement demands.

The petition highlights several high-value projects allegedly used to siphon funds:
* Automation Scam: Akabogu alleges that a ₦2.8 billion “E-NSITF” automation project was riddled with forgery. He claims the contractor, P2E Technologies Ltd, submitted a fake Advance Payment Guarantee (APG) from Anchor Insurance.
* The ₦100 Billion Plan: Despite the failure of Phase 1, the Minister allegedly pushed for a Phase 2 PPP project estimated to drain over ₦100 billion from the Fund over several years.

* Property Acquisition: Akabogu claims he refused to sign a FEC memo for a ₦1.88 billion property purchase because the named beneficiaries kept changing to companies with links to the Minister’s “allies”.

Physical Assault and Death Threats
In the most shocking claim, Akabogu alleges that on August 28, 2022, Ngige invited him to his residence to sign irregular procurement documents.
Upon his refusal, the former MD claims the Minister physically assaulted him, digging his nails into his forearm—an injury he documented with photographs. He further alleges the Minister threatened to “kill him” and “ensure he rotted in prison” for defying directives.

The petition identifies a network of officials, including current MD Mrs. Maureen Allagoa, Mrs. Ijeoma Okoronkwo, and Mrs. Joyce Akponor, as “foot soldiers” who allegedly bypassed the MD’s office to authorize payments and issue contract award letters without cash backing.

Dr. Akabogu has called on the Presidency and anti-graft agencies (EFCC, ICPC) to conduct a full-scale investigation and prosecute those found culpable in what he describes as the “unlawful removal” of a head who stood against malfeasance.

While Akabogu frames his exit as a “principled stand” against corruption, the Economic Confidential notes that the federal government maintains that his removal was a matter of criminal misconduct.
​Investigations into Akabogu’s credentials revealed:
​Non-Existent Certificate: The NYSC officially informed the Nigeria Police Force that the discharge certificate (Number: A030544) paraded by Akabogu was never issued by the scheme.
​Timeline Inconsistencies: Records showed that the mobilization dates for the 1991 batch did not align with the dates printed on Akabogu’s document.