Tinubu Suspends N-Power, School Feeding, and More
On January 2, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took the decision to suspend the Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu.
The Federal Government has now revealed that President Tinubu has extended the suspension to encompass all programs administered by NSIPA. The announcement was made by the Director of Information, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, on January 12, 2024.
President Tinubu’s decision is a response to the ongoing investigation into alleged malfeasance in the management of NSIPA and its programs.
The suspension covers all four programs administered by NSIPA, including the N-Power Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, and Home Grown School Feeding Programme. The suspension is initially set for a period of six weeks.
The statement also highlighted President Tinubu’s concerns about operational lapses and improprieties related to payments made to the programs’ beneficiaries.
In addition to the suspension, Tinubu has established a ministerial panel to conduct a thorough review of NSIPA’s operations and recommend necessary reforms.
During the suspension period, all NSIPA-related activities, such as distributions, events, payments, collaborations, and registrations, are frozen.
President Tinubu emphasized his commitment to a swift and unbiased process that ensures the effective functioning of social intervention programs for the benefit of vulnerable Nigerians.
The suspension of NSIPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Halima Shehu, on January 2, was prompted by concerns over alleged financial malfeasance within the agency.
Halima Shehu, who previously served as the National Coordinator of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, had been confirmed by the Senate just three months prior to her suspension.
Dr. Akindele Egbuwalo, the National N-POWER Program Manager, has been appointed in an acting capacity as NC/CEO during the investigation.