Why N-Power was scrapped by the Tinubu govt — Betta Edu

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has provided fresh updates regarding the recent decision by the federal government to suspend the N-Power program indefinitely.

In a statement issued on her behalf on Sunday by the National Programme Manager of N-Power, Dr. Akindele Egbuwalo, it was revealed that the suspension was initiated for the purpose of conducting an audit and implementing necessary restructuring.

This decision comes in the wake of irregularities discovered within the N-Power scheme, prompting the government to launch an investigation into its activities.

Minister Betta Edu noted that certain beneficiaries were not found at their designated places of assignment but still expected to receive monthly stipends.

Furthermore, some beneficiaries who were supposed to have exited the program were still on the payroll.

Providing more details on the government’s decision, Minister Edu highlighted several flaws identified in the scheme.

Among these issues were consultants withholding beneficiaries’ funds despite their contracts ending in March 2023 without renewal.

Additionally, some beneficiaries were found to have secured full-time employment but were still receiving N-Power allowances. Meanwhile, those who had genuinely worked were left unpaid.

Edu disclosed that the N-Power scheme would undergo a comprehensive audit to determine the actual number of participants and how funds had been utilized over time.

In addition to the investigations, the government plans to review the age limit for beneficiaries, increasing it to 40 instead of the current 35.

In her statement, Minister Edu stated,

“It is imperative to inform Nigerians, particularly beneficiaries of the N-Power program across the country, of the temporary suspension of the program.

“This action has become necessary to give room for a detailed investigation into the operations of the N-Power in the last twelve months.”

She continued,

“Preliminary findings of our audit have shown that some consultants are holding on to beneficiaries’ funds disbursed to them long ago, even when their contract ended in March 2023 without any renewal. We condemn this practice and will not tolerate it going forward.”

Edu appealed to Nigerians to understand the rationale behind the government’s decision and assured that all beneficiaries with genuine claims would have their cases resolved.

She emphasized,

“It shall no longer be business as usual as we make concerted efforts to put the nation on the right footing, ensuring that no one directly or indirectly unleashes suffering on Nigerians.”

Furthermore, the Minister announced plans for the transformation and expansion of the N-Power program to reach beneficiaries aged 18 to 40, targeting five million beneficiaries in five years.

This expansion will include new programs in various sectors such as education, health, agriculture, technology, fashion, entertainment, and skill acquisition, among others.