The Federal Government has reassured beneficiaries of the N-Power programme that outstanding stipends will be paid soon, as efforts are underway to resolve persistent funding delays affecting the scheme.
This assurance was given during a strategy meeting between N-Power officials and the Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS) at the programme’s office in Abuja, where stakeholders reviewed progress and ongoing challenges.
As obtained by Nigeria Startup News, discussions at the meeting focused on the need for increased funding, improved transparency, and stronger grassroots mobilisation to enhance the impact of the programme on young Nigerians.
Director-General of CYMS, Obinna Nwaka, said the organisation’s nationwide structure across states, local government areas, and wards positions it to support awareness and engagement around federal initiatives like N-Power.
He noted that CYMS has been actively involved in disseminating information to both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries, ensuring wider understanding of opportunities under the scheme.
Addressing public misconceptions, Nwaka clarified that N-Power is a federal government programme and not managed at the state level, noting that this misunderstanding has contributed to confusion among citizens.
He also called for stronger collaboration with civil society organisations, NGOs, and media platforms to expand outreach and improve public awareness.
Media engagement featured prominently in the discussions, with stakeholders acknowledging its role in promoting programme achievements and communicating reforms.
Nwaka added that CYMS would deepen its support through strategic partnerships, including social media campaigns and national broadcast engagements to amplify N-Power’s impact.
Participants linked the programme to broader national priorities such as youth empowerment, economic self-reliance, and improved security, noting that meaningful engagement of young people can reduce exposure to crime and political manipulation, especially ahead of future elections.
Plans were also outlined to leverage an upcoming national conference on local government financial autonomy to advance youth-focused advocacy.
However, concerns were raised over delays in stipend payments, particularly for beneficiaries in the non-graduate category.
National Programme Manager of N-Power, Dr. Nsikak Okon, acknowledged the funding constraints affecting implementation and said the government is taking steps to address the backlog.
“We are aware of the challenges and we are working on resolving outstanding payments,” Okon said, while reiterating the programme’s commitment to transparency through direct payment systems and strict verification processes.
Despite the delays, stakeholders expressed confidence in the integrity of the programme, citing validation systems that have helped reduce fraud.
They also highlighted success stories of beneficiaries who have transitioned into professional careers, political roles, and international opportunities.
With over 1.5 million beneficiaries and a monthly funding requirement of ₦13.5 billion, N-Power remains one of the country’s largest youth intervention programmes.
Nigeria Startup News reports that the meeting ended with resolutions to strengthen collaboration between stakeholders and government agencies, including mentorship initiatives and expanded media campaigns, while CYMS representatives presented a symbolic gift to the programme manager.
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