BREAKING: President Tinubu Suspends NSIPA Boss, Halima Shehu

President Bola Tinubu has taken the decision to suspend Halima Shehu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

As reported by Channels Television, the President has given his approval for the immediate suspension of Shehu and has instructed for her replacement to be appointed.

It is important to note that Shehu was selected by President Tinubu in October 2023, and her appointment received the Senate’s confirmation on October 18, 2023.

Shehu utilized her extensive banking and professional background as the National Coordinator of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, successfully overseeing the digital transformation of the program.

From 2017 to 2022, the ex-banker held a position at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development.

Shehu was born in Kafin Dagi village, Katsina, Katsina State. She completed her primary education and obtained her First School Leaving Certificate. She then attended the Federal Government College in Kaduna State for her secondary education, where she successfully obtained her West African Examination Certificate.

She enrolled at Ahmadu Bello University, located in Zaria, Kaduna State, to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language. Subsequently, she successfully completed a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from the same institution, ABU, Zaria.

Following her academic pursuits, she fulfilled the obligatory National Youth Service Corps requirement at the Afri-Project Consortium, which was affiliated with the Petroleum Trust Fund. Following her completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Shehu embarked on a decade-long journey in the banking industry. She gained valuable experience working at the now-defunct Intercity Bank before transitioning to employment at Unity and Access Banks.

Shehu has extensive experience in financial transactions, having held leadership positions in various banking units such as cash management, funds transfer, clearing, reconciliation, operations, and coordination. He has worked across multiple banks, showcasing his expertise in this field.

In 2010, the ex-NSIPA made a transition into the political arena. In 2011, she began her political journey by assuming the role of Senior Special Assistant to Ibrahim Shema, a former governor of Katsina State. Additionally, she held a position on the state’s Internal Revenue Board.

In 2016, she received a temporary appointment from the Economic Community of West African Countries to serve as a presidential election observer in Cape Verde.