Senate Intervenes as FG Moves to Pay N-Power Beneficiaries’ Unpaid Allowances
Barau Jibrin Brokers Truce as Federal Government Assures Payment of ₦81 Billion Debt
Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian Senate has waded into the prolonged dispute over unpaid allowances owed to N-Power beneficiaries, as the federal government moves to settle a backlog of stipends dating back to 2022.
TJ News Nigeria reports that Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, convened a high-level meeting on Tuesday with federal officials, legal representatives of the aggrieved beneficiaries, and N-Power leaders. The dialogue produced a breakthrough, with the beneficiaries agreeing to suspend their planned legal action.
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₦81 Billion Debt At Center of Dispute
At the heart of the crisis is an outstanding ₦81 billion in unpaid stipends owed to thousands of Nigerian youths enrolled under the N-Power programme, a flagship initiative of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).
According to Barrister Abba Hikima, counsel to the affected beneficiaries, the unpaid allowances cover multiple months in 2022 and 2023. The debt was carried over from the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Senate Mediation Yields Breakthrough
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Senator Jibrin disclosed that the intervention was initiated at the request of the beneficiaries. He confirmed that he immediately contacted the relevant minister, who responded promptly.
“After listening to both sides, it became clear that the government had made substantial efforts to resolve the matter,” Senator Jibrin stated. “The beneficiaries have agreed to suspend all legal proceedings. This is a testament to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which is committed to justice and equity.”
Minister Blames Budget Cycle Lapses
In his remarks, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, admitted that the funds were not paid due to budgetary lapses. He explained that since the debts fall under recurrent expenditure, they were not carried forward into the 2024 and 2025 budgets.
“The allowances were not captured in the current budget cycles,” the Minister said. “We sought intervention through the service-wide vote, which was approved, but it came too late for implementation in 2024. We are now pursuing a new approval to enable payment during the 2025 budget year.”
Legal Action Suspended for Now
Barrister Hikima confirmed that his clients were satisfied with the government’s assurances and have chosen to pause legal proceedings.
“They have all given their word. We’ve accepted the assurances given today and are optimistic that payments will be made before the end of this year,” he said.
N-Power Beneficiaries Express Optimism
Kehinde James, Chairman of N-Power Beneficiaries in Nigeria, expressed gratitude to the Deputy Senate President for his swift intervention and acknowledged the transparency shown by the federal representatives.
“We thank Senator Jibrin for hearing us. This intervention gives us hope, and we look forward to seeing action match these promises,” he said.
Background on N-Power Programme
Launched in 2016 under the NSIP, the N-Power programme aims to address youth unemployment and skill acquisition across various sectors. Despite its ambitious objectives, the programme has been marred by delays in stipend payments, sparking public protests and litigation threats in recent years.
The Senate’s involvement marks a significant turn in the lingering dispute, offering renewed hope to thousands of youths who depend on the programme for income and professional development.
What you should know
- ₦81 billion in unpaid N-Power stipends from 2022–2023 now set for resolution.
- Senator Barau Jibrin led a two-hour mediation meeting at the National Assembly.
- FG assures payment in 2025, pending new budget approval.
- Legal action suspended as beneficiaries accept government assurances.
- N-Power leaders and activists hail the Senate for timely intervention.
