Private Sector to Absorb N-power Beneficiaries, Says FG

The Federal Government has said beneficiaries of the N-power scheme will be absorbed into government entrepreneurship schemes.

Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, made the announcement in a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Information in the Ministry, Mrs Rhoda Iliya, following the outcry that trailed the exit of Batch A and Batch B despite the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report showing the nation’s unemployment rate rose to 27.1 percent in the second quarter of the year.

The minister also said the federal government is engaging private businesses to join government in creating permanent jobs for the exited N-power beneficiaries.

She, however, noted that the selection of Batch C applicants has started and the list of the successful candidates will be announced on the organisation’s official website.

According to the Ministry, a total of 5,042,001 Nigerians applied for the Batch C N-power program between June 26 and August 9th, 2020 when the program ended.

“The commencement of the Batch C enrolment is sequel to far-reaching consultations and a review of the submissions on the reform and realignment of the programme for greater efficiency.

“Batch C is also being enrolled to provide opportunities for more Nigerian youth to access the programme, in furtherance of the President’s vision of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.

“This will create opportunities that will enhance the productivity of the Nigerian youth for entrepreneurship.

“Applications will be conducted using a hybrid system of enrolment to ensure that all Nigerians are given an opportunity to participate.

“As a Ministry that caters for the vulnerable, we will also make special considerations for persons living with disabilities.

“Online portal would be open to receive applications from noon on June 26, 2020 and will provide a level playing field for all applicants.

“As part of the Ministry’s reforms to make the programme more efficient, all applicants must supply their Bank Verification Number , in their application.

“This is to ensure a streamlined and transparent selection process. Once applications are submitted, the Ministry will review submissions and publish a list of successful applicants.

“Past beneficiaries are not eligible to participate in the application process. Comprehensive details for the new batch will be announced in the coming weeks,” Farouq said.