N-Power: In Nigeria, Buhari's Minister Keeps Announcing 'Audio Payment'

 

Beneficiaries of the Nigerian government's N-Power scheme are still lamenting the non-payment of their March stipend as Sadiya Farouq, the country's Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, emptily claimed payment has begun, Allnews reports.

On March 31st, Farouq, through the official Twitter account of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development had assured 'immediate payment' of N-Power beneficiaries' stipend.

On Tuesday, following Allnews' exclusive revealing fund for March payment of the famed scheme's beneficiaries has been released, the minister released a statement telling volunteers "they will start receiving credit alerts from their banks today, April 14, 2020”.

“Those responsible for processing the payment must do it in conformity with the necessary rules and regulations to ensure accountability.

“Now that the rules were followed strictly and the process concluded. I was given the assurance that they will start receiving credit alerts from their banks today, Tuesday, April 14, 2020,” Farouq said through Salisu Na’inna Dambatta, her media aide.

But as of 4:00 PM on Wednesday, Allnews gathered from multiple beneficiaries that not a single person among the close to 500,000 enrollees nationwide has received payment.

Delay in N-Power beneficiaries stipends has been the norm since the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIPs) was transferred to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs from the office of the Vice-President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo sometime last year.

In fact, a beneficiary who spoke to Allnews on condition of anonymity, accused the minister of embezzlement.

"These people have 'chop' the money," he said.

"Now they are announcing to the world that they have paid N-Power graduates. What a country (we live in)!"

Another, named Martins Joy, said: "Mrs minister (Farouq), we are tired of your promises.

"Today is Wednesday 15th April and no stipend for March yet.

"I wonder when April stipend will be paid. I weep for us the poor Nigerian youths in this lockdown."

READ ALSO: EXCLUSIVE: Afolabi Imoukhuede Speaks On N-Power March Stipend

N-Power Programme is a job creation and skills empowerment programme of the Federal Government designed to help young Nigerians acquire and develop life-long skills to become practical solution providers in their communities, enabling them to become innovative players in the domestic and global markets.

The programme is for young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35 paid N30,000 monthly allowance

Enrolled participants are expected to exit the programme after every 24 months to be replaced by another set of youths drawn from across the country.