JUST IN: President Tinubu Suspends National Social Investment Programme Amidst Allegations of Malfeasance

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken decisive action by suspending all programs administered by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), citing an ongoing investigation into alleged malfeasance.

The suspension, announced by the Director of Information, Segun Imohiosen, includes all four NSIPA programs: N-Power Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, and Home Grown School Feeding Programme. The suspension is effective for a preliminary period of six weeks.

President Tinubu expressed concerns over operational lapses and improprieties in payments to beneficiaries, leading to the formation of a ministerial panel tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of NSIPA’s operations. The aim is to recommend necessary reforms for the agency.

During the suspension period, all NSIPA-related activities, encompassing distributions, events, payments, collaborations, and registrations, will be temporarily halted. Tinubu emphasized his commitment to a swift and unbiased process that ensures the effective implementation of social intervention programs for the benefit of vulnerable Nigerians.

The President’s actions also extended to the suspension of the NSIPA Chief Executive Officer, Halima Shehu, due to alleged financial malfeasance. Dr Akindele Egbuwalo, the National N-POWER Program Manager, has been appointed in an acting capacity as NC/CEO until the investigation concludes. Her suspension follows Senate confirmation of her appointment approximately three months ago.

As Nigerians await the outcome of the investigation, President Tinubu reassures stakeholders of his administration’s dedication to ensuring the proper functioning of social intervention programs, addressing any shortcomings to better serve the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.