Unpaid N-Power Stipends: A Call for President Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention -By Yasir Shehu Adam

The plight of N-Power Batch C beneficiaries has become a growing concern in Nigeria, with thousands of young Nigerians still waiting for their long-overdue stipends. Despite assurances from the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu (before her suspension), and the directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to unfreeze the National Social Investment Program Agency (NSIPA) account, no payments have been made.

As a result, over 500,000 youths have been left stranded without jobs or any source of income. The situation has worsened due to the economic hardship facing the country. Many young Nigerians relied on the N-Power program to support their families, pay rent, and meet their daily needs. Now, with months of unpaid stipends and no alternative job opportunities, frustration and despair have set in.

The N-Power program, launched in 2016 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was designed to reduce unemployment and poverty by providing stipends and job placements for young Nigerians. It was one of the key initiatives of the National Social Investment Program Agency (NSIPA), which also oversees school feeding programs and conditional cash transfers.

However, on December 1, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development for six weeks. This decision came after the suspension of Dr. Betta Edu, who was accused of transferring ₦580 million into a private account. While the move was meant to tackle corruption, it unfortunately left thousands of N-Power beneficiaries without their stipends, leading to job losses and increased hardship.

Minister Nentawe Yilwatda had promised that the unpaid stipends of N-Power beneficiaries would be settled after the NSIPA account was unfrozen. However, months later, beneficiaries are still waiting, with no communication from the government. This has raised serious concerns about the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and poverty reduction.

Independent lawyer and political analyst Barrister Audu Bulama Bukarti recently commented on the matter, revealing that N-Power beneficiaries have been reaching out to him for help. According to him, many of them have been waiting for 8 to 12 months for their stipends, with no response from the government. He urged the Federal Government to act immediately, stating that any genuine effort to fight poverty and create jobs must start with fulfilling obligations to existing programs like N-Power.

The suspension of the N-Power program has had devastating effects on young Nigerians. It is no longer just about unpaid stipends; it is about the government’s failure to provide sustainable job opportunities for its citizens. The Renewed Hope Agenda promised by President Tinubu must reflect in real actions, not just words.

The N-Power Beneficiaries Association, religious leaders, and concerned stakeholders are calling on President Tinubu to urgently intervene and ensure that:

1. All outstanding stipends are paid immediately to the affected N-Power Batch C beneficiaries.

2. A clear roadmap is provided for job creation and sustainable youth employment under the NSIPA program.

3. Transparency and accountability are ensured in the administration of social investment programs.

Nigeria is currently facing an economic crisis, and the youth—who are supposed to be the backbone of the nation’s development—are the worst affected. The Federal Government must rise to the occasion, fulfill its promises, and give young Nigerians a renewed sense of hope.

The N-Power program was meant to empower, not frustrate, Nigerian youths. Mr. President, the time to act is now!