Former National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, has alleged that ₦3 billion in unspent COVID-19 intervention 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 on Monday, July 27, 2026, while denying allegations that she diverted ₦44 billion.
She maintained that she never transferred public funds into any personal account and disclosed that she had reported alleged financial irregularities within the agency to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant authorities before her suspension.
What the data is saying
According to Shehu’s account, the disputed transactions were carried out without her knowledge or approval.
Key claims made during the interview include:
- She alleged that ₦3 billion in leftover COVID-19 funds was transferred into 11 separate accounts without her authorisation.
- She denied allegations that she diverted ₦44 billion while serving as NSIPA’s chief executive.
- She insisted that no public funds were transferred into her personal account.
- She stated that she reported the alleged financial irregularities to the EFCC and other authorities before she was suspended from office.
The allegations form part of her public response to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the agency’s finances.
More insights
NSIPA manages several of the Federal Government’s social intervention programmes, making accountability and transparency in the management of its funds a matter of significant public interest.
Shehu’s allegations introduce a new dimension to the controversy surrounding the agency, as she claims to have raised concerns internally before disciplinary action was taken against her.
Her statements remain allegations at this stage and would require verification through ongoing investigations and any judicial proceedings. Likewise, the allegations previously made against her remain subject to investigation and due legal process.
The EFCC and other relevant authorities are expected to determine whether any financial misconduct occurred and identify those responsible based on available evidence.
What you should know
The latest development adds to the ongoing investigation into the management of funds within NSIPA.
Key highlights include:
- Halima Shehu alleges ₦3 billion in leftover COVID-19 funds was transferred into 11 accounts without her approval.
- She has denied allegations of diverting ₦44 billion.
- She maintains that no money was paid into her personal account.
- She says she reported alleged financial irregularities to the EFCC and other authorities before her suspension.
- The matter remains under investigation, and the allegations and counter-allegations have yet to be determined by the appropriate authorities or the courts.
The case continues to attract public attention due to the scale of the funds involved and the importance of the National Social Investment Programme. Further clarity is expected as investigations progress and relevant authorities provide additional findings.
