N-Power Update: FG Sacks Over 2,000 Beneficiaries (See Why)

N-Power Latest Information

The sledgehammer of the federal government has fallen on 2,525 beneficiaries of its N-Power programme for absenting themselves from their primary places of assignment across the country.

To this end, the affected beneficiaries have been sacked and Naija News understands another 18,674 beneficiaries have also voluntarily resigned having secured permanent employment.

The Communications Manager of the National Social Investment, Justice Bibiye, made the disclosure in a statement adding that the affected beneficiaries that were sacked had undermined the programme by staying away for long periods from their places of primary assignments without due authorization.

The statement said “which instances have compelled the need for continued action against those who are seen to be undermining the smooth implementation of a well-thought out Federal Government social intervention initiative.

“Consequently, to ensure seamless execution of the programme in order to achieve the set goals, the NSIO has increased the number of monitoring partners, with fresh discussions having commenced in earnest to seek enhanced supervision and the strengthening of monitoring, for effective and efficient service delivery of all components of the NSIPs.

“Beneficiaries must understand that N-Power is not a charity programme and, therefore, everyone captured under the scheme is expected to justify his/her engagement by demonstrating diligence, hard work and commitment to duty at their PPAs. Acts of dereliction of duty, indolence, absenteeism and indiscipline on the part of volunteers shall continue to be dealt with decisively and in line with the rules of engagement.

“Given the thousands of positive stories relating to the diligence and commitment of the beneficiaries from so many quarters, however, most of whom have worked to not only transform their lives, but also transform their communities; we are persuaded that the relatively fewer cases of misconduct have not hampered the overall success of the N-Power programme.

“Field reports reaching us from our independent monitors, the States, the schools and other places of assignment confirm that the vast majority of the volunteers have been of good conduct and are making significant contributions to National development within their PPAs.

Bibiye further called for help from the public in exposing lazy individuals who have found their way into the scheme, saying the programme covers such a vast terrain and few individuals should not be allowed to bring it into disrepute.

“We, however, wish to also encourage continued feedback from the public, as we welcome constructive reports of absconding beneficiaries and similar malpractices in the field, as such information would enable us enhance programme delivery around the country.”

He further restated the government’s commitment to making life better for Nigerians and beneficiaries of N-Power through its social intervention programmes.

“Indeed, even because Nigeria covers such a vast terrain, the public and the media would only be supporting the efforts of the Administration to reduce unemployment, by reporting the relatively few indolent, erring volunteers who were lucky to have been selected to serve under such a programme. The process has begun and can only get better if everyone embraces the programme and considers it a collective responsibility to ensure that the millions of deserving Nigerians that are the target audience of the NSIPs are impacted positively, with reduced unemployment indices in Nigeria.”

Naija News reports the N-Power Programme is a social intervention scheme introduced in 2016 by the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration for Nigerian youths between 18 and 35 in graduates, as well as for non-graduates category.

Beneficiaries under the graduate category are paid N30,000 monthly allowance for their services.