Ex-NSIPA boss alleges N3 billion COVID funds paid into 11 accounts without approval
A former National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, has alleged that N3 billion in leftover COVID-19 funds was paid into 11 different accounts without her authorisation or approval.
A former National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, has alleged that N3 billion in leftover COVID-19 funds was paid into 11 different accounts without her authorisation or approval.
Shehu made the allegation during an interview on Arise Television’s The Morning Show programme on Monday, July 27, 2026, while denying allegations that she diverted N44 billion.
She insisted that she never transferred any money into a personal account and said she reported alleged financial irregularities within the agency to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other authorities before her suspension.
Shehu said she had been investigated by the EFCC and provided documents and facts to assist the agency with its investigation. She maintained that the evidence she supplied was enough to exonerate her from the allegations.
Shehu also alleged that there were violations of laid-down financial procedures involving the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Shehu questioned why investigative authorities allegedly relied only on the minister’s report, saying she discovered weak financial controls within NSIPA after assuming office and began conducting her own audit.
Shehu said she had raised concerns with Edu and the permanent secretary about the movement of funds and how such transactions could be accounted for.
In January 2024, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demanded the removal of Betta Edu as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation over an alleged misappropriation of N585 million in palliative funds.
The minister also approved funds for flight tickets and airport taxis for ministry staff travelling to Kogi State, which does not have an airport.
Shehu’s latest allegations come against the backdrop of previous scrutiny of financial transactions within the humanitarian affairs ministry and NSIPA.
