The Federal Government’s N-Power program, launched in 2016 under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, was designed to combat poverty, reduce unemployment, and empower Nigerian youth between the ages of 18 and 35. While the program recorded significant success during its initial batches (A and B), subsequent batches, particularly Batch B Streams 1 and 2, have faced numerous challenges, including delayed stipends and unfulfilled promises of digital devices meant to aid their work.
N-Power is part of the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP) and has categories for graduates and non-graduates. Graduate beneficiaries receive ₦30,000 monthly while serving in schools, ministries, or agencies for two years, while non-graduates under the N-Skills initiative receive ₦10,000 monthly during their training in disciplines like agricultural technology, mechanical engineering, and catering. However, systemic corruption has plagued the program, leading to unpaid stipends and investigations into financial mismanagement.
Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, was probed by the EFCC for alleged mismanagement of ₦37.1 billion. Her successor, Dr. Betta Edu, was also investigated for a ₦585 million fraud, culminating in her removal. The current minister, Nentawe Yilwatda, has raised hopes among beneficiaries, but delays persist, pushing many into hardship.
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In December 2024, the House of Representatives urged President Bola Tinubu to direct Finance Minister Wale Edun to unfreeze NSIP accounts and release funds for the outstanding payments owed to over 395,000 beneficiaries. Yet, no action has been taken.
Frustrated beneficiaries, voicing their grievances on social media, are threatening a nationwide protest if their stipends are not paid by December’s end. Wasiu Olaitan Adeyemi wrote, “Whenever we have 1,000-2,000 beneficiaries ready, activists like Barrister Deji Adeyanju will lead us to register our grievances in Abuja.”
As hardship continues to worsen across Nigeria, the government must act swiftly to address these grievances and fulfill its obligations to the nation’s youth, who are the leaders of tomorrow.
