NPower Beneficiaries Face Financial Hardship Due to Delayed Stipend Payments
The Federal Government’s N-Power program, intended to combat youth unemployment, has encountered difficulties as participants grapple with the persistent delay in receiving their monthly stipends. Despite assurances to resolve a nine-month backlog, beneficiaries continue to face financial uncertainty, casting doubt on the program’s effectiveness.
Voices of NPower Beneficiaries
Francisco Noah, a dedicated N-Teach participant from Batch C1, currently teaching in Nasarawa State, paints a stark picture of the challenges faced by beneficiaries due to the stipend delays. Forced to stop attending to students due to financial constraints exacerbated by transportation costs, Noah’s situation highlights the plight of those reliant on timely stipends. His last payment dates back to November 2022, adding to the growing unease among participants.
Usman Dantala, an Agro sector participant in Batch C2, echoes the frustrations of his peers, lamenting a nine-month backlog in stipend payments. Despite promises of imminent disbursement, Dantala has only received payment for three months since joining the program in October 2022. His story underscores the financial strain experienced by beneficiaries awaiting the resolution of their stipend-related challenges.
Government’s Response to NPower’s Plight
In response to the mounting discontent, Dr. Akindele Egbuwalo, the National Programme Manager of the NPower Scheme, issued a statement reaffirming the government’s commitment to addressing pending issues. Acknowledging the temporary suspension of the program, Egbuwalo emphasized the prioritization of settling payments for beneficiaries with legitimate claims. The call for understanding and patience underscores the government’s efforts to restore confidence in the N-Power Programme.
However, Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, who played a pivotal role in the temporary program suspension, raised questions about the future of stipend disbursements. The minister’s decision adds a layer of uncertainty for beneficiaries eagerly awaiting financial relief.
Background and Objectives
The N-Power scheme, launched on June 8, 2016, as part of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (N-SIPA), aimed to tackle youth unemployment and enhance social interventions. However, the recent challenges in stipend disbursements have cast a shadow on the program’s ability to fulfill its objectives effectively.
Future Prospects
In a related development, N-Power has pledged to address issues related to stipend delays and hinted at possible recruitments. The official communication channels of the initiative will be used to provide genuine information about pending payments and portal-related challenges. This move is expected to bring clarity to beneficiaries and reaffirm the government’s commitment to the success of the program.
Conclusion
As frustrations among N-Power beneficiaries reach a boiling point, the government’s responsiveness to the challenges will be crucial in determining the program’s impact on youth unemployment. The delays in stipend disbursements not only affect the financial well-being of participants but also raise questions about the overall effectiveness and sustainability of social intervention programs in Nigeria. The coming weeks will undoubtedly shed light on the government’s ability to address concerns and restore confidence in the N-Power Programme.