The N-Power program, initiated by the Federal Government, has been indefinitely suspended, as announced by Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, during a Saturday interview on TVC News. Edu cited irregularities within the scheme as the basis for this decision. Concurrently, she revealed that the government has initiated an investigation into the utilization of funds since the program's inception.
Edu pointed out that some beneficiaries, despite not being present at their designated assignments, still anticipate receiving monthly stipends. Furthermore, she highlighted that certain individuals, who should have exited the program in 2022, remain on the payroll.
The minister expressed the need to delve into the issues plaguing N-Power, leading to the temporary suspension of the program until a thorough investigation into fund utilization is completed. She emphasized the importance of understanding the current enrollment status, outstanding payments, and restructuring the program for future expansion.
Edu revealed ongoing complexities, noting instances where individuals claimed stipends for months despite not actively working. She underscored that about 80 percent of such beneficiaries are not fulfilling their roles, yet they persist in asserting salary claims.
It is worth recalling that the N-Power Program, launched by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, was designed to address youth unemployment and contribute to social development.