The former National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, has denied accusations of misappropriating N44 billion in public funds. She insists that she had already reported financial irregularities within the agency before her suspension.
Shehu clarified these points while addressing concerns about fund management in the Federal Government’s social investment programmes. She emphasized that she neither authorized nor participated in any fund misappropriation.
Before her suspension, Shehu had flagged issues related to financial transactions and administrative practices, which she formally reported to the relevant authorities for investigation. She reiterated her dedication to transparency and accountability, dismissing any claims of her involvement in financial misconduct.
She also labeled the allegations as false and misleading, confirming her readiness to cooperate fully with anti-corruption agencies and any lawful investigations to clarify the situation.
The accusation of diverting N44 billion has garnered significant public interest since the start of probes into the National Social Investment Programme. This programme includes key Federal Government initiatives like the Conditional Cash Transfer, N-Power, the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), and the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.
As investigations into the agency’s financial management continue, Shehu urged against rushing to judgment, expressing confidence that a thorough process will reveal the truth.
At the time of this report, neither the Presidency nor anti-corruption agencies had released an official statement regarding Shehu’s assertions. The investigation’s findings will ultimately determine whether criminal charges will be pursued against those responsible.
