Former NSIPA CEO Halima Shehu
By The Analyst Online Media
Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to make public the outcome of its investigation into allegations that led to her suspension from office in January 2024.
In an open letter addressed to the President, Shehu said the release of the EFCC's report would clear her name and bring closure to a prolonged period of uncertainty that she said has caused significant emotional, financial and reputational hardship for her and her family.
President Tinubu suspended Shehu less than four months after her appointment over allegations of financial misconduct within the agency. The EFCC subsequently questioned her as part of its investigation into the management of NSIPA. However, more than two years later, the anti-graft agency has not publicly released the findings of its probe.
Shehu maintained that she is innocent of all allegations and insisted that the investigation would vindicate her.
"I have come with humility believing you are yet to know the depth to which I single-handedly fought the wrongdoings at NSIPA. The proactive steps I took to fight corruption should earn me your honour, not dishonour," she stated in the letter.
The former NSIPA chief claimed that shortly after assuming office, she uncovered widespread financial irregularities and weak internal controls within the agency. According to her, she formally reported the alleged infractions to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on December 22, 2023, submitting documentary evidence for investigation.
She alleged that barely ten days after reporting the suspected irregularities, she was suspended from office before the anti-corruption agencies could conclude their investigations.
She further claimed that approximately ₦14 billion was withdrawn from NSIPA's accounts during her tenure without her knowledge or authorization. According to her, unauthorized signatories were allegedly added to the agency's Remita account domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), enabling transactions outside her approval.
"As the Chief Accounting Officer, these actions occurred beyond my control," she said.
Shehu also disclosed that despite the extensive investigation conducted by the EFCC, no funds were recovered from her, a development she believes supports her claim of innocence.
Highlighting her previous public service record, the former NSIPA boss referenced her role in implementing the World Bank-supported Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, where she oversaw the digitization of the initiative and facilitated the opening of more than 1.9 million beneficiary accounts across commercial banks, microfinance institutions and payment service providers.
She further stated that she has written several letters to the EFCC, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and President Tinubu, requesting the conclusion and publication of the investigation, but said none of the letters has received a response.
"My only prayer has been for closure and direct public release of the investigation report so the truth can be known and I can be free to continue to serve my country," she wrote.
Shehu added that beyond the impact on her personal reputation, the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the allegations could discourage women from aspiring to leadership positions in public service.
Awaiting Official Response
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had publicly responded to Shehu's latest appeal for the release of the investigation report.
The Analyst Online Media reports that the publication of the EFCC's findings, if approved, could provide greater clarity on the allegations that culminated in Shehu's suspension and contribute to public confidence in the handling of anti-corruption investigations.
This report will be updated as more official reactions become available.
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Anti Corruption