Abuja, Nigeria – Thousands of N-Power beneficiaries may soon heave a sigh of relief as the Nigerian Senate has brokered a high-level resolution paving the way for the payment of ₦81 billion in outstanding stipends owed since 2022.
The long-awaited breakthrough followed a crucial tripartite meeting convened by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, at the National Assembly. The closed-door dialogue brought together federal government officials, legal representatives of the affected beneficiaries, and stakeholders from the relevant ministries and agencies.
At the heart of the meeting was the prolonged non-payment of allowances under the N-Power programme — a key federal initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment through skills development and monthly stipends. The delays, which spanned the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years, had prompted legal action by disgruntled beneficiaries.
However, in a show of renewed governmental commitment, parties agreed to suspend litigation following firm assurances that payment processes were underway.
Speaking after the over two-hour session, Senator Barau described the outcome as a positive step in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“The beneficiaries came to the Senate seeking my intervention. I immediately reached out to the relevant minister, who responded swiftly. The discussions were fruitful, and the parties were convinced of the government’s willingness to address the matter,” Barau stated.
“With that assurance, the beneficiaries agreed to withdraw their legal action. This government remains committed to the welfare of its citizens.”
Representing the Federal Government at the meeting, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development explained that while the arrears were captured in the 2022 and 2023 budgets, payment was stalled due to recurrent budget rollovers and the absence of dedicated provisions in subsequent budgets.
“There was no allocation for these arrears in the 2024 and 2025 budgets. However, we secured approval through the service-wide vote, albeit late. We are now working to activate this year’s budget implementation to facilitate disbursement,” the Minister affirmed.
“As a responsible government, we acknowledge the debt and are committed to ensuring its clearance before the end of 2025.”
Legal counsel to the beneficiaries, Barrister Abba Hikima, corroborated the federal government’s pledge and confirmed the suspension of the court case.
“The government owes my clients ₦81 billion. Based on the assurances received today, we’ve agreed to stay legal action. I commend the Deputy Senate President and the Ministers involved for their proactive engagement,” Hikima said.
Kehinde James, Chairman of the N-Power Beneficiaries Association, expressed appreciation to the Senate and federal officials, stating that the dialogue had restored faith among thousands of youths whose livelihoods had been disrupted.
“This intervention rekindles hope and trust in the system. Many young Nigerians who rely on this programme now see light at the end of the tunnel,” James remarked.
Launched in 2016, the N-Power scheme remains a flagship social investment programme of the Nigerian government. While it has empowered hundreds of thousands of youth with skills and temporary employment, recent administrative lapses had cast doubts over its sustainability — concerns now partially addressed with the Senate-led resolution.
The payment of the ₦81 billion arrears is expected to begin as soon as the 2025 budget implementation commences.
