The Npower programme was launched by the Nigerian government in 2016 as an initiative to reduce youth unemployment and promote social development.
The programme provides opportunities for unemployed graduates and non-graduates to acquire the necessary skills and experience that would make them employable in the labour market.
However, the payment of stipends to beneficiaries has been a major concern, with delays and inconsistencies in payment being a recurrent issue. In the latest Npower news, it has been confirmed that Batch C2 beneficiaries will receive their stipends for the months of October, November, and December 2022 this week.
According to the management of Npower, the delay in payment was due to unforeseen challenges such as technical processes and end-of-fiscal year mopping up of funds. This delay has caused a lot of frustration and anxiety for beneficiaries who rely on the stipends to support themselves and their families.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs disaster management and social development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has assured beneficiaries that efforts have been made to address the challenges causing the delay, and that all outstanding stipends for graduate and non-graduate beneficiaries will be paid shortly.
The minister also acknowledged the commitment and cooperation of the beneficiaries and urged them to continue serving their nation in their places of primary assignment or training. The delay in stipend payment has been a major setback for the beneficiaries, but with the assurance of the minister, they can be hopeful for a better future.
The Npower programme has been an effective tool in reducing youth unemployment and promoting social development in Nigeria.
However, consistent payment of stipends to beneficiaries remains a major challenge that needs to be urgently addressed. The government should prioritize the timely payment of stipends to beneficiaries to avoid a repeat of the current situation.
