N-Power: FG to commence payment of 9-month outstanding salaries soon

The Federal Government expressed its readiness on Monday to commence the payment of a 9-month outstanding salaries to N-Power beneficiaries currently on the programme.

This statement, issued by Hon. Jamaluddeen Kabir, the N-Power National Communication Manager, in Abuja, was confirmed by Dr. Akindele Egbuwalo, the N-Power National Programme Manager, following a meeting with some N-Power beneficiaries.

He explained that the main reason for temporarily suspending the programme was to address all matters directly affecting beneficiaries, with a focus on the issue of delayed allowance payments.

Dr Egbuwalo stressed that as a result of the temporary suspension of the programme for thorough restructuring and forensic audit, funds have been recovered from the existing payment service providers, and plans have been put in place by the programme to commence the disbursement of the 9-month outstanding stipends to beneficiaries in November 2023. Payments will be made in instalments.

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While assuring all beneficiaries of complete transparency and accountability, Dr Egbuwalo stated that, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new agenda, the N-Power programme will be continued as the Renewed Hope Job Creation Programme (RHJCP) under the supervision of the Honourable Minister, Dr  Betta Edu.

This programme will be expanded to target 5 million beneficiaries in 5 years, where 1 million youths will be absorbed each year under the Graduate and Non-Graduate streams.

Responding, Sani Garba, a beneficiary from Yobe State who was present at the meeting, noted that their main concern was the delayed 9-month stipends.

He added that a national protest had initially been planned by different clusters of N-Power beneficiaries due to inadequate information.

“Sir, as you have clearly explained the current payment situation to us with utmost transparency, myself and the other cluster of beneficiaries represented here assure you that we have clearly understood your position and taken your assurances. There is no need for any protest,” Garba said.

While encouraging all beneficiaries to remain patient and expect their payments, the cluster of beneficiaries expressed their joy over the assurances given to them for a better implementation of the programme.

This will ensure that no beneficiary is left behind in the renewed hope agenda of the federal government.