The Federal Government has agreed to clear the outstanding ₦81 billion owed to N-Power beneficiaries from 2022 and 2023, following a high-level intervention by Deputy Senate President, Sen. Jibrin Barau.
The decision came after a closed-door meeting between government officials and representatives of aggrieved beneficiaries, held at the National Assembly.
Speaking after the session, Sen. Barau described the engagement as “fruitful” and confirmed that concrete arrangements for disbursement had already commenced.
“The beneficiaries approached me to intervene. I contacted the Minister, and we received a swift and positive response. The payment process is now in motion. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, fairness and justice will prevail,” Barau stated.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, explained that the backlog originated from budgetary provisions in 2022 and 2023 that were not funded in 2024 and 2025. However, he confirmed that the necessary funds had now been secured via a service-wide vote and would be disbursed within the 2025 fiscal year.
“Approval for the arrears was granted last year. We’re now working to trigger payments before the end of 2025,” the Minister assured.
Legal counsel to the beneficiaries, Abba Hikima, confirmed the suspension of all legal action following the government’s assurance. “Based on today’s meeting, we are halting litigation and expect payment to begin with the 2025 budget implementation,” he said.
Chairman of the N-Power beneficiaries, Kehinde James, expressed gratitude to the Senate leadership and ministry officials, noting that the intervention had restored hope for thousands of young Nigerians.
Launched as a flagship youth empowerment programme, N-Power has faced mounting criticism over prolonged payment delays, prompting protests and legal threats from beneficiaries. The new development is expected to ease tensions and rejuvenate confidence in the programme.
