Thousands of N-Power beneficiaries across Nigeria may finally be seeing light at the end of the tunnel as the Federal Government has assured that long-standing payment delays and structural issues affecting the programme are being addressed.
The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, on Tuesday acknowledged the frustrations, anxiety, and hardship faced by beneficiaries, many of whom rely on the stipends to survive amid rising living costs and unemployment.
In a statement released after a high-level engagement with beneficiary representatives, Dr. Doro said the government is fully aware of the concerns surrounding the programme and is taking concrete steps to resolve them.
“I hear you, and I understand your pain,” the Minister said, signaling a rare moment of empathy that resonated with beneficiaries who have repeatedly protested unpaid allowances and uncertainty over their future.
According to the Minister, since assuming office, he has been working closely with the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA) to conduct a comprehensive review of the N-Power programme. The review, he noted, is aimed at identifying gaps, fixing structural bottlenecks, and improving delivery mechanisms that have undermined the programme’s effectiveness.
Crucially, Dr. Doro gave a direct assurance that all beneficiaries with verified challenges will be paid, putting to rest fears that some participants might be permanently dropped without resolution.
“All legitimate concerns are being resolved. Beneficiaries with verified issues will be addressed and will receive their payments,” he stated.
Earlier in the day, the Minister met with leaders representing N-Power beneficiaries, where discussions reportedly focused on delayed payments, verification problems, and the future of the programme. Sources described the meeting as frank and extensive, with beneficiaries openly expressing their frustrations and the toll the delays have taken on their livelihoods.
Beyond immediate payments, the Minister emphasized that the Federal Government is committed to reforming N-Power into a more sustainable and impactful programme, with clearly defined exit pathways that equip beneficiaries for long-term economic independence rather than prolonged dependency.
He added that the reforms align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes social protection, poverty reduction, and job creation.
For many beneficiaries, the assurance offers renewed hope after months—sometimes years—of uncertainty. Whether the promises will translate into swift action remains to be seen, but for now, the government’s acknowledgement and commitment mark a significant moment in the ongoing N-Power saga.
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