The Senate has disclosed that the federal government is preparing to settle the ₦81 billion backlog owed to former N-Power beneficiaries for 2022 and 2023.
The announcement followed a closed-door meeting convened by the deputy senate president, Barau Jibrin, who brought together officials from the ministry of humanitarian affairs and representatives of the affected N-Power participants. The meeting led to an agreement to suspend legal action over the delayed allowances.
Barau stated, "The beneficiaries approached the Senate for intervention. I contacted the minister, and we held a productive meeting. The government has shown clear commitment to resolving the backlog."
He added that the move aligns with the current administration's promise to prioritise the welfare of citizens under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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Minister of humanitarian affairs, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, explained that the outstanding debt stemmed from allowances captured in the 2022 and 2023 budgets but not funded in 2024 and 2025.
"We approached the service-wide vote and secured approval late last year. The process to activate payment in the current fiscal year is now underway. We are confident it will be resolved before the year ends," the minister said.
Abba Hikima, counsel to the N-Power beneficiaries, confirmed that litigation would be suspended based on the assurances received during the Senate-brokered talks.
Chairman of the affected beneficiaries, Kehinde James, thanked the Senate and ministry officials for their intervention in addressing the prolonged delay.
N-Power, one of Nigeria's flagship youth empowerment programmes, has faced persistent delays in disbursements, prompting protests and legal threats from unpaid participants.
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