Tinubu Orders Suspension Of NSIPA Programs
In a statement released on Friday, Segun Imohiosen, the Director of Information at the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, announced the suspension. He mentioned that the president’s decision is based on the “ongoing investigation of alleged malfeasance in the management of the agency and its programmes.”
“All four (4) Programmes administered by NSIPA, viz; N- Power Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme and Home Grown School Feeding Programme (the “Programs”) have been suspended for a period of six weeks in the first instance,” the statement read.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also raised significant concerns regarding operational lapses and improprieties surrounding payments to the Programs’ beneficiaries.”
According to the statement, Tinubu has established a ministerial panel to comprehensively assess the operations of the agency and propose essential reforms for the NSIPA.
Throughout this suspension period, all NSIPA-associated activities, encompassing distributions, events, payments, collaborations, and registrations, are temporarily halted.
Tinubu also provided assurance to stakeholders and the Nigerian public, affirming his administration’s dedication to a prompt and impartial process. This process aims to guarantee that social intervention programs will operate precisely as intended, ultimately benefiting the most vulnerable Nigerians.
NSIPA boss suspended
Concerned about the reported financial misconduct within the agency, the President took action on January 2 by suspending Halima Shehu, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).
Before assuming the role of CEO, Halima previously served as the National Coordinator of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme and had a prior tenure with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development from 2017 to 2022.
Following the suspension and the ongoing investigation, Dr. Akindele Egbuwalo, the National N-POWER Program Manager, has been appointed on an interim basis as the Acting National Coordinator/CEO until the investigation reaches a conclusion.
Her suspension occurred approximately three months after the Senate confirmed her appointment.
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