The Federal Government of Nigeria has disclosed preliminary findings from its ongoing audit of the N-Power program as it unveils concerns regarding consultants retaining beneficiaries’ funds disbursed to them long after their contracts concluded in March 2023.
This revelation comes amid the indefinite suspension of the N-Power program following reports of irregularities within the scheme, as announced by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Beta Edu.
Dr. Akindele Egbuwalo, the National Program Manager of N-Power, vehemently condemned the practice, assuring that it would no longer be tolerated.
He affirmed that the government is actively identifying those involved, investigating why payments did not reach the final beneficiaries, and is committed to recalling the funds to fulfill outstanding obligations.
While the N-Power program remains temporarily suspended, the government is undertaking a comprehensive investigation into its operations over the last 12 months.
The audit will encompass the number of program enrollees, exit records, outstanding payments, adherence to work requirements, and fund utilization.
The N-Power program, which has enrolled a total of 960,000 people since its inception, will undergo restructuring and transformation.
The new iteration will target five million beneficiaries over five years, with the age limit expanded to include those aged 18-40, instead of the previous 35.
Also, the restructuring will introduce new programs in areas such as education, health, agriculture, technology, fashion, and entertainment.
The government emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and ensuring that only genuine claims are honored to regain the confidence of Nigerians in the revamped program.
The statement underscored the commitment to rectify all valid outstanding obligations and eliminate irregularities in the program’s operation, emphasizing that no beneficiaries will go unpaid.
