Beneficiaries of a youth empowerment program of the federal government on Wednesday demonstrated at the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, to protest the non-payment of their stipends for the past nine to 12 months.
The demonstrators under the umbrella of the National Association of N-Power Beneficiaries carried placards with inscriptions, such as “Renewed Hope or Recycled Neglect? N-Power,” “They Worked, Pay Them. N-Power,” and “Pay N-Power.”
They accused the federal government of failing to fulfill its commitments to N-Power beneficiaries, despite their months of dedicated service and numerous appeals made through official channels.
The protesters alleged that the extended delay in stipend payments has subjected N-Power beneficiaries nationwide to significant financial difficulties, emotional distress, and a loss of dignity, which contradicts the goals of the youth empowerment initiative.
According to the beneficiaries, their rightful payments have been unfairly withheld, despite their patience and ongoing contributions.
The protesters called for immediate action, accountability, and transparency from the relevant government authorities regarding the overdue stipends and the overall status of the N-Power program.
They demanded the prompt payment of all outstanding amounts owed to beneficiaries and clear communication from the federal government about the future of the N-Power initiative.
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While affirming their commitment to peaceful and lawful engagement, the protesters warned that they would not remain silent in the face of what they termed ongoing injustice.
The issue of unpaid stipends for N-Power beneficiaries has been a persistent problem since the program’s inception during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
Beneficiaries have made numerous appeals and organized several protests to demand the payment of the nine months of outstanding stipends from the Nigerian government.
In 2025, dissatisfied N-Power beneficiaries filed a lawsuit against the Tinubu administration at the National Industrial Court in Abuja, over the unpaid stipends and entitlements.
