Ex-NSIPA Boss Links Betta Edu to Alleged Unauthorized ₦3bn COVID-19 Fund Transfers

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, while denying accusations that she diverted ₦44 billion during her tenure at the agency.

According to her, she never transferred public funds into any personal account and had, in fact, reported alleged financial irregularities within NSIPA to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant authorities before her suspension.

“The EFCC investigated me. I helped them do their job while I was in office. I was a whistleblower,” Shehu said, alleging that the ₦3 billion in leftover COVID-19 funds was paid into 11 accounts without her knowledge, consent, or approval.

She questioned why the information she provided to investigators was allegedly overlooked, saying she suffered reprisals instead of recognition for reporting the alleged irregularities.

Shehu further alleged that financial procedures involving the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation were violated. She claimed she discovered weak financial controls after assuming office and initiated an internal audit.

The former NSIPA boss also alleged that several officials were appointed into the agency outside its statutory framework and claimed that some financial transactions were initiated by former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, and executed by programme managers without her approval.

She further alleged that more than $300 million was drawn from an $800 million World Bank-supported programme without her involvement, insisting that no public funds were traced to her personal account or those of her family members.

Shehu’s allegations come amid ongoing scrutiny of financial transactions within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and NSIPA. In 2024, former Minister Betta Edu came under intense public criticism over allegations surrounding the handling of public funds, including the controversial approval of payments into a private account—allegations that sparked multiple investigations.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the individuals and institutions mentioned regarding Shehu’s latest claims.