FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SUSPENDS N-POWER PROGRAM, LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO PAST ADMINISTRATORS

The Nigerian government has announced the temporary suspension of the N-Power program and revealed plans to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the operations of the initiative’s previous administrators. This decision comes in response to preliminary findings that have raised concerns about the program’s management and financial disbursements over the past year.

The N-Power program, launched in 2016 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, is a work-for-cash social assistance initiative aimed at providing employment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and tax. With approximately 960,000 individuals enrolled in the program since its inception, it has played a significant role in addressing unemployment and poverty in Nigeria.

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development cited various issues that prompted the suspension and investigation. One major concern is the identification of participants whose enrollment in the program had lapsed since 2022 but who continued to expect payments from the government. Additionally, the investigation revealed cases of consultants holding on to funds intended for beneficiaries, even after their contracts had ended in March 2023.

The government aims to conduct a thorough audit of the program to address these issues and ensure transparency and accountability. This audit will include verifying the number of people owed stipends, investigating the claims of those owed for extended periods, and identifying ghost beneficiaries. Furthermore, the government is committed to eliminating the practice of consultants retaining beneficiary funds and is taking steps to recover these funds for rightful disbursement.

The suspension of the N-Power program is seen as a necessary step to restore public confidence in the initiative. It also marks the beginning of a restructuring and transformation effort aimed at expanding the program’s scope and reach. Under this transformation, the age limit for beneficiaries will be extended from 35 to 40 years, and the program will target 5 million beneficiaries over five years, focusing on various sectors and skills.

The government has emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability in the revamped program. It has assured beneficiaries with legitimate claims that their cases will be addressed once the verification process is completed, and all valid outstanding obligations will be honored.

In summary, the Nigerian government’s decision to temporarily suspend the N-Power program and investigate its past administrators is a crucial step toward ensuring the program’s effectiveness, transparency, and accountability. The aim is to build public trust in the program and expand its reach to benefit more Nigerians.