Halima Shehu is a Nigerian politician and the former National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Program Agency (NSIPA).
She was suspended by President Bola Tinubu on January 2, 2024, over alleged financial fraud at the agency. She is also a skilled banker and a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
In this post, I will walk you through Halima Shehu biography, early life, education, career, family, net worth and more.
Halima Shehu Early Life and Education
Halima Shehu was born in Kafin Dagi village, Katsina, Katsina State. She completed her First School Leaving Certificate and attended the Federal Government College in Kaduna State, where she obtained her West African Examination Certificate.
She then proceeded to the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, for a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language.
She also earned a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from the same university.
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Halima Shehu Career
Halima Shehu completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps at the Afri-Project Consortium under the Petroleum Trust Fund. She then began her 10-year banking career during which she worked at the former Intercity Bank, before proceeding to Unity and Access Banks. She was the head of several banking units, including the cash, funds transfer, clearing, reconciliation, operations and coordination units.
She joined politics in 2010 and was appointed as a Senior Special Assistant to a former governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema. She also served as a member of the state’s Internal Revenue Board.
Halima Shehu was later appointed by the Economic Community of West African Countries where she temporarily worked as a presidential election observer in Cape Verde in 2016.
She worked at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, from 2017 to 2022. She also worked as the National Coordinator, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, where she used her banking and career expertise to see to the digitalisation of the programme.
Halima Shehu Personal Life, Husband and Children
Halima Shehu is married and has four children, two boys and two girls. She is a Muslim and a devout follower of Islam.
Halima Shehu Net Worth
Halima Shehu’s net worth is estimated to be around $80,000 as of 2023.
Halima Shehu Controversy
Halima Shehu was suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on January 2, 2024, over alleged financial fraud at the National Social Investment Program Agency (NSIPA).
According to the reports, Shehu was accused of misappropriating billions of naira meant for the social welfare programs under NSIPA, such as the conditional cash transfer, the school feeding program, the N-Power scheme, and the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Program. She was also alleged to have violated the procurement laws and awarded contracts to cronies and relatives without due process.
Shehu has denied the allegations and claimed that she was a victim of a political witch-hunt by some powerful interests who wanted to sabotage the social investment programs and tarnish her reputation. She has also challenged her suspension in court and demanded a fair and transparent investigation into the matter.
