Latest Npower news, stipend update today 17th December 2023

A bombshell revelation during the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation’s budget defense has thrown N-Power beneficiaries into further turmoil. The Director of Finance and Account NSIP, in a startling admission, confirmed that a staggering N127 billion originally allocated for N-Power stipends was diverted to fund other ministries.

This shocking news sheds light on the agonizing nine-month delay in payments for Batch C2 beneficiaries, who were promised a full year’s stipend.

While Batch C1 received their complete 15-month package (12 months for service and 3 months exit package), Batch C2 was only given a meager 3 months’ worth of stipends (October to December 2022). This discrepancy, coupled with the diverted funds, paints a picture of broken promises and mismanaged priorities.

Adding to the beneficiaries’ woes is the Director’s admission that despite earlier assurances from the Minister about recovered funds and imminent payments, they are still “struggling to get some funds” to settle the outstanding stipends. This lack of clarity and the ongoing struggle leave beneficiaries in limbo, facing financial hardship and dashed expectations.

The revelation raises serious questions about transparency and accountability within the program. Diverting funds meant for social welfare programs to other ministries is not only unethical but also deeply concerning, particularly when it directly impacts the lives of vulnerable individuals.

The 440,000 eligible Batch C2 beneficiaries, left unpaid for nine agonizing months, deserve better. They were promised a year of support and training, yet they find themselves caught in a bureaucratic quagmire, their livelihoods hanging by a thread.