Ex-NSIPA Boss Halima Shehu Denies ₦44bn Diversion Claims

Halima Shehu, the former National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), denied allegations of diverting ₦44 billion during an interview on Arise Television. She asserted that no funds were transferred to her personal account and that she alerted anti-graft agencies about financial irregularities before her suspension in December 2023.

Shehu stated that upon assuming office, she discovered weak financial controls and raised concerns with the then Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu. She alleged unauthorized fund movements and claimed that several programme managers operated outside the agency's structure.

She formally petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission regarding these violations. Shehu maintained her innocence, stating that investigators found no trace of funds linked to her or her family.

She called for transparency in the investigation and emphasized her integrity, stating she did not misappropriate funds intended for vulnerable Nigerians.