Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release the report of its investigation into allegations of financial misconduct levelled against her, saying the document would clear her name.
Gatekeepers News reports that Shehu made the appeal in an open letter to the President, more than two years after she was suspended from office in January 2024 over allegations of financial impropriety at the agency. Following her suspension, the EFCC questioned her as part of its investigation, but the anti-graft agency has yet to publicly disclose the outcome of its findings.
The former NSIPA chief, who spent less than four months in office before her suspension, described the allegations against her as false, saying they had caused significant emotional, financial and reputational harm to her and her family.
“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 wrote.
Shehu 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, with documentary evidence to support her claims. She alleged that she was suspended about 10 days later without receiving any response from the anti-corruption agencies.
She further alleged that nearly ₦14 billion was withdrawn from NSIPA accounts during her tenure without her knowledge or approval, claiming that unauthorised signatories were added to the agency’s Remita account with the Central Bank of Nigeria, allowing transactions to be carried out outside her authority.
“As the chief accounting officer, these actions occurred beyond my control,” she said.
The former NSIPA boss also maintained that the EFCC did not recover any funds from her during its investigation, insisting that her public service record reflects transparency and accountability. She referenced her previous role in managing the World Bank-supported Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, where she oversaw the digitisation of the scheme and facilitated the opening of more than 1.9 million beneficiary accounts.
Shehu disclosed that she had 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 public release of the investigation report, but said she had received no 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 said.
She also said she had not received her entitlements since her suspension and argued that the unresolved allegations had not only affected her personal reputation but also discouraged women aspiring to occupy public leadership positions.
