The federal government, under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has announced the indefinite suspension of the N-Power social intervention scheme, a program initially launched by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to tackle youth unemployment and promote social development.
In an interview on TVC News, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, revealed the suspension, citing irregularities within the scheme as the reason. Edu stated that the government has initiated an investigation into the program’s activities, particularly focusing on fund utilization since its inception.
The minister highlighted issues such as beneficiaries not being present at their assigned workplaces yet expecting monthly stipends. Edu also pointed out instances where beneficiaries who were supposed to have exited the program in 2022 were still on the payroll, claiming to be working despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
“We must conduct a thorough investigation into N-Power to understand the problems. Therefore, we are suspending the program until we complete a proper inquiry into fund utilization within the N-Power program,” Edu stated. She emphasized the government’s commitment to restructuring and expanding the N-Power program while addressing the existing discrepancies and ensuring transparency in the utilization of funds.
