Fg To Pay N-Power Arrears To Beneficiaries

The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of overdue payments to beneficiaries of the N-Power program. The disclosure was made by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today on Thursday.

Minister Edu stated, "Presently, a payment for N-Power is ongoing; we were in the office yesterday up until the early hours of this morning, just to ensure that young people get monies which they have been owed from the last government."

She assured N-Power beneficiaries across the nation that the payment process is underway and will continue until every individual who served under the program receives their due compensation. Edu emphasized that this effort is part of the government's broader strategy to tackle unemployment and generate employment opportunities for Nigerians.

Recalling that beneficiaries were owed several months' salaries during the tenure of the former President Muhammadu Buhari administration, Edu clarified that the Renewed Hope N-Power has not been relaunched yet. The program, initially established by President Buhari on June 8, 2016, aimed to address youth unemployment and promote social development.

The N-Power initiative had been temporarily suspended when President Bola Tinubu assumed office. Minister Edu explained that the present government is committed to addressing outstanding issues from previous years before resuming the program.

She detailed the challenges faced in the payment process, mentioning the involvement of a consultant responsible for managing payments to N-Power beneficiaries. However, funds were reportedly held up for months, prompting the government to recover the money into the government's Treasury Single Account (TSA) at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Edu acknowledged the patience required from the program's participants, saying, "We appeal to the young people to be patient." As the scrutiny of beneficiaries continues, the government aims to ensure a fair and efficient disbursement of owed funds.

This move by the Federal Government underscores its commitment to addressing the financial concerns of N-Power beneficiaries and reinforcing its dedication to reducing unemployment and fostering job creation.