The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (Resource Centre) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for what it described as the agency’s sustained commitment to investigating and prosecuting corruption cases involving public officials.
The commendation followed proceedings in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, over alleged procurement irregularities involving the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA described the prosecution as a significant demonstration of the EFCC’s resolve to ensure accountability regardless of the status of those accused.
According to the organisation, proceedings before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja showed that an EFCC witness challenged claims by the former minister that he acted on a presidential directive while overseeing procurement activities at the NSITF.
HEDA noted that documentary evidence, including correspondence from the Bureau of Public Procurement, procurement records and contract award documents, had been tendered before the court as the trial continued.
