N-Power Suspension: The future of youth empowerment initiatives in Nigeria
The recent indefinite suspension of the N-Power programme by the Federal Government has dealt a severe blow to millions of Nigerians who were relying on this initiative to combat youth unemployment.
Established by former President Muhammadu Buhari, the N-Power programme aimed to provide a monthly stipend to beneficiaries, offering them a lifeline in a country grappling with high unemployment rates.
This sudden suspension has left countless individuals without jobs and has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing the critical issue of youth unemployment.
However, the scheme has come under scrutiny due to alleged irregularities and mismanagement of funds.
As the government launched an investigation into the programme’s finances, the future remains uncertain for those affected.
The N-Power programme was a vital component of the National Social Investment Programme, designed to empower unemployed Nigerian youths, particularly graduates.
With the onboarding of 1.5 million individuals, the initiative offered capacity building, targeted employment opportunities, and structured career paths.
Over the years, it enrolled 200,000 youths in Batch A, 300,000 in Batch B, 510,000 in Batch C1, and 490,000 in Batch C2. For many beneficiaries, this programme provided a lifeline in a country plagued by high unemployment rates.
While the exact number of beneficiaries affected by the suspension remains unknown, it is estimated that approximately one million individuals from batches C1 and C2 are still enrolled in the scheme.
These beneficiaries, many of whom teach in primary schools nationwide, now face an uncertain future. The sudden halt to the programme has left them without a source of income, exacerbating an already dire economic situation.
The indefinite suspension of the N-Power programme was announced by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, during a live interview on TVC News. Edu cited irregularities within the scheme as the primary reason for the government’s decision.
Furthermore, she revealed that an investigation had been launched to scrutinise the utilisation of funds since the programme’s inception.
One of the key concerns raised was the discovery of beneficiaries who were not fulfilling their assigned duties but still receiving monthly stipends.
As the investigation unfolds, the future of the N-Power programme hangs in the balance.
The suspension has left millions of Nigerians unemployed, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their lives. The government’s commitment to addressing the irregularities and mismanagement of funds is commendable.
However, it is crucial that alternative solutions are put in place to support those affected by the suspension. Without immediate action, the consequences of this decision could have far-reaching implications for the already vulnerable Nigerian youth.
Edu also stated that some of the N-Power beneficiaries ought to have exited the programme in 2022, but were still on the payroll.
She said, “We must go back to look into N-Power and understand what the problems are; so we will basically suspend the programme for now until we are done with proper investigation into the utilisation of funds by the N-Power programme.
“We want to know how many people are basically on the programme right now; how many people are owed and the amount they are owed. We are totally restructuring N-Power and expanding it.
“There are lots going on. We met people who were supposed to have exited the programme since last year and they are still claiming that they are teaching.
“Sometimes, we contact the schools or the places where they are working and they are not there. They are not working, yet they keep claiming that they are being owed eight or nine months’ stipends. About 80 per cent of them are not working, yet they are claiming salaries.”
The N-Power scheme, unfortunately, has become entangled in a web of irregularities, casting a shadow over its noble intentions.
The humanitarian ministry, in response to an inquiry in December 2022, candidly revealed that some of its officials were under investigation.
In a letter signed by the former Permanent Secretary, Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, the ministry acknowledged the existence of publications shedding light on ongoing investigations into fraudulent activities within the program.
With utmost transparency, the ministry stated, “We would like to clarify the following: our ministry has implemented a comprehensive mechanism to ensure the selection of deserving beneficiaries from all corners of the nation.
“This mechanism has been in place since the program’s inception. Collaborating closely with our trusted service provider, we diligently onboard, train, and deploy program beneficiaries to carefully chosen primary assignment locations.
“However, upon discovering potential malpractices by certain personnel involved in the payment processes of the beneficiaries, we swiftly referred the matter to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) for a thorough investigation.
“We are fully aware that specific individuals have been summoned for questioning as part of the ongoing investigations,” the ministry added.
“While these irregularities have cast a temporary shadow over the N-Power scheme, the ministry remains committed to rectifying any wrongdoings and ensuring that the program continues to uplift and empower deserving individuals across the nation.”
The former permanent secretary proudly declared that the ministry had fortified its systems with unwavering determination to eradicate any irregularities and prevent future mishaps.
He enthusiastically stated, “In our quest for transparency and accountability in the implementation of the N-Power and other National Social Investment Programmes, such as the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, and the Conditional Cash Transfer, we have engaged various government agencies, security organizations, and Civil Society Organisations to monitor and ensure compliance in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.”
He assured the public that the ministry was working closely with the ICPC to ensure a successful investigation.
“To all N-Power beneficiaries, we want to assure you of the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government to the program and the subsequent exit strategies,” he added.
The ministry also encouraged all program beneficiaries to continue dedicating themselves to their primary assignments, assuring them that their monthly stipends would be paid promptly as expected.
The suspension of the N-Power programme has raised questions about the government’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment. With a significant portion of Nigeria’s population comprising young people, it is crucial for the government to prioritize initiatives that provide employment opportunities and skills training.
By suspending the N-Power programme indefinitely, the government risks exacerbating the already dire unemployment situation and undermining the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerian youth.
Furthermore, the ministry appealed to the public to report any irregularities noticed in the implementation of the National Social Investment program through designated email channels and phone numbers.
While the suspension of the N-Power programme is undoubtedly a setback, it should serve as a catalyst for the government to explore alternative solutions to combat youth unemployment.
It is imperative for the government to develop comprehensive strategies that focus on creating sustainable job opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship, and investing in vocational training.
By diversifying the economy and encouraging private sector participation, the government can foster an environment conducive to job creation and economic growth.
With their collaborative efforts, they aimed to ensure a transparent and accountable implementation of the National Social Investment Programmes.
The indefinite suspension of the N-Power programme is a devastating blow to millions of Nigerians who were relying on this initiative to combat youth unemployment.
The government must recognise the urgency of the situation and take immediate action to address this critical issue.
It is imperative for the government to prioritise youth employment, develop alternative solutions, and ensure that the aspirations of Nigerian youth are not left unfulfilled.
Only through concerted efforts and proactive measures can we hope to provide a brighter future for our nation’s youth.
