President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the suspension of all programs administered by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), a decision underscored by the need to address alleged mismanagement within the agency. This suspension encompasses four key programs: the N-Power Programme, the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, and the Home Grown School Feeding Programme.
The announcement, made by Segun Imohiosen, the Director of Information at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, emphasizes that this suspension is an initial measure, set for a period of six weeks. This action follows reports of operational lapses and improprieties, particularly concerning payments to beneficiaries of these programs. President Tinubu’s decision reflects a commitment to rectify these issues and ensure that the programs serve their intended purpose effectively.
Further to this, President Tinubu has constituted a ministerial panel tasked with conducting an in-depth review of the NSIPA’s operations. The panel’s objective is to recommend necessary reforms to overhaul the agency’s functioning. During this suspension, all activities related to the NSIPA, including distributions, events, payments, collaborations, and registrations, are to be halted.
In a related move, President Tinubu, earlier on January 2, had suspended Halima Shehu, the Chief Executive Officer of NSIPA. This suspension was prompted by allegations of financial misconduct within the agency. Prior to her role at NSIPA, Halima Shehu had worked as the National Coordinator of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme and had been associated with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development from 2017 to 2022. Dr. Akindele Egbuwalo, the National N-POWER Program Manager, has been appointed as the acting National Coordinator/CEO of NSIPA pending the conclusion of the investigation into these allegations.
These decisive actions by President Tinubu come amidst a series of administrative reforms and appointments, including the recent confirmation of new CEOs for various national bodies like the National Theatre and the Christian Pilgrim Commission, and the allocation of an intervention fund for public tertiary schools. These steps indicate a concerted effort by the administration to improve governance and efficiency across various sectors.
President Tinubu’s administration, through these measures, demonstrates its commitment to transparency and accountability, particularly in the management of social welfare programs. By addressing the alleged malfeasance in NSIPA, the government aims to ensure that social intervention programs are effectively and equitably administered, benefiting the most vulnerable groups in Nigerian society.
This suspension and the ensuing investigation are likely to have significant implications for the future of social investment programs in Nigeria. Stakeholders and the general public will be closely monitoring the outcomes of this review, hoping for reforms that will enhance the effectiveness and credibility of these crucial social support systems. The President’s assurance of an unbiased and swift process in this regard is a crucial step in reinforcing public trust in the government’s commitment to social welfare and good governance.
