Emmanuel Ochayi
The Federal Government has declared the indefinite suspension of the N-Power programme, an initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment and fostering social development.
Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, disclosed this during an appearance on a Saturday programme on TVC.
She revealed that the decision was prompted by irregularities plaguing the scheme and emphasized that a thorough investigation into fund utilization since the programme’s inception is underway.
The Minister, with a tone of concern, stated, “We must go back to look into N-Power and understand what the problems are, so we will basically suspend the program for now until we are done with proper investigation into the utilization of funds into the N-Power program.”
Edu further outlined the issues plaguing the program, including beneficiaries who are absent from their assigned work locations while still expecting monthly allowances. Shockingly, some beneficiaries were supposed to have exited the program in 2022 but remain on the payroll. “About 80% of them are not working yet they are claiming salaries,” she asserted.
The N-Power Program, launched in 2016 by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, aimed at addressing youth unemployment and enhancing social development. It was designed for both unemployed graduates and non-graduates between the ages of 18 and 35, with the goal of equipping them with skills and certifications for emerging global markets.
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As the government initiates this suspension and investigation, the future of the N-Power Program remains uncertain, raising questions about the fate of thousands of Nigerian youths relying on this initiative for their livelihoods.
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