The Nigerian federal government has reassured N-Power scheme beneficiaries who have not yet received their salaries that they will promptly receive their entitled payments.
This commitment was made by Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in a statement released on Sunday by Akindele Egbuwalo, the National Programme Manager of N-Power.
Minister announces indefinite N-Power program suspension
On Saturday, the minister announced the indefinite suspension of the N-Power program due to irregularities.
Edu explained that this decision was taken to allow for a thorough investigation into the program’s operations over the past twelve months.
In the statement, Edu outlined measures being put in place to ensure transparency and accountability when the program is reinstated.
She stressed the necessity of conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the program, including auditing the number of participants, assessing those who have exited the program, identifying individuals owed payments, whether they reported to work or not, and scrutinizing the utilization of funds during this period.
Edu emphasized the importance of this audit, particularly regarding claims of beneficiaries owed stipends for up to eight to nine months, which will be thoroughly verified.
She urged Nigerians to understand the reasons behind the temporary suspension and investigation, as efforts are made to rebuild confidence in the program and enhance its service delivery.
Edu also assured all beneficiaries with valid claims that their cases would be resolved once the verification exercise is completed, and all outstanding obligations would be met, emphasizing that no one would be left unpaid.
Edu disclosed plans to expand the N-Power program to include beneficiaries aged 18-40, raising the previous age limit of 35.
The government aims to target 5 million beneficiaries over five years, with a pace of 1 million beneficiaries per year across the graduate and non-graduate streams.
She added that the revamped program would introduce new initiatives in education, health, works, agriculture, technology, fashion, entertainment, and other relevant skill acquisition and employability areas.
Transparency and accountability will be fundamental principles to regain the confidence of Nigerians in the expanded program.