By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk
ABUJA, Nigeria — Former National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, has called for the public release of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) report on allegations surrounding the management of about ₦44 billion in social investment funds.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Monday, Halima Shehu denied allegations of financial misconduct, insisting that no public funds were traced to her personal accounts or those of her relatives.
She alleged that she suffered retaliation after raising concerns over suspected financial irregularities within NSIPA, claiming that instead of receiving protection for exposing alleged breaches, she was removed from office.
According to the former NSIPA chief executive, she voluntarily submitted documents and evidence to the EFCC detailing what she described as unauthorized transactions and breaches of financial procedures within the agency before her suspension in December 2023.
Shehu further alleged that about ₦3 billion from COVID-19 intervention funds was paid into multiple accounts without her authorization, adding that she had raised concerns with both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
“I gave the EFCC documents and evidence. I thought I should be honoured for speaking up, but instead I got reprisal,” Shehu said during the interview, while urging President Bola Tinubu to direct the anti-graft agency to make its investigation report public.
The former NSIPA boss maintained that the allegations against her were unfounded, arguing that the EFCC report would provide clarity on the controversy surrounding the agency and the management of its funds.
However, her claims have not been independently verified, and no court has established wrongdoing by any individual connected to the allegations.
The controversy has renewed attention on the management of Nigeria’s social investment programmes, which oversee funds designed to support vulnerable citizens through initiatives such as Conditional Cash Transfers and other welfare interventions.
NSIPA, which coordinates major federal social intervention schemes, has faced public scrutiny over transparency and accountability concerns following controversies surrounding the administration of its programmes.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not publicly responded to Halima Shehu’s latest claims, while no official statement had been issued by the Presidency regarding her request for the release of the investigation report.
The development is expected to intensify calls for transparency, accountability, and stronger protection mechanisms for individuals who raise concerns over alleged financial misconduct in public institutions.
