President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken the decision to suspend all programs administered by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), as stated in a press release by the Director Information, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen. This suspension comes as a result of an ongoing investigation into alleged mismanagement within the agency and its programs.
The four programs administered by NSIPA, namely the N-Power Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, and Home Grown School Feeding Programme, will be suspended for an initial period of six weeks. President Tinubu has expressed concerns about operational lapses and improprieties in the payment system for program beneficiaries.
To address these issues, a ministerial panel has been established to conduct a comprehensive review of the agency’s operations and recommend necessary reforms.
During this suspension period, all NSIPA-related activities, including distributions, events, payments, collaborations, and registrations, will be put on hold.
President Tinubu has assured stakeholders and the Nigerian public that his administration is committed to a fair and efficient process that will ensure the social intervention programs function as intended, benefiting the most vulnerable Nigerians.
Additionally, the Chief Executive Officer of NSIPA, Halima Shehu, has been suspended due to concerns over alleged financial malfeasance within the agency.
Halima previously held the position of National Coordinator for the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme and had worked with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development from 2017 to 2022.
However, due to allegations, she has been suspended and is currently under investigation. In the meantime, Dr. Akindele Egbuwalo, the National N-POWER Program Manager, has been appointed as the acting NC/CEO until the investigation is concluded. Interestingly, her suspension occurred approximately three months after the Senate confirmed her appointment.
