The federal government has made significant changes to the N-Power program in an effort to address unemployment issues among Nigerian youth, with a new target of employing five million young individuals over a span of five years.
Under this restructured initiative, the government has extended the age limit for N-Power enrollment from 18-35 to 18-40 years. This expanded age range is part of the plan to accommodate a broader pool of participants.
Dr. Akindele Egbuwalo, the N-Power National Programme Manager, emphasized that the program is undergoing a comprehensive overhaul and expansion. The primary goal is to provide employment opportunities to five million young Nigerians within a five-year period, with one million beneficiaries added each year. This revamp will also incorporate programs that were not previously part of the scheme.
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Addressing concerns surrounding the temporary suspension of the N-Power program, Egbuwalo explained that this pause is necessary to facilitate the restructuring process. The government aims to enhance the program’s transparency and accountability, ultimately restoring confidence in its operation.
Egbuwalo stated, “This restructuring and transformation will also birth an expanded programme to reach beneficiaries aged 18–40; the previous age limit was 35.” He further elaborated on the program’s scope, indicating that it will encompass new programs in various fields, including education, health, works, agriculture, technology, fashion, entertainment, and other areas related to skill acquisition and employability.
To regain the trust of Nigerians in the revamped program, transparency and accountability will be of utmost importance. Egbuwalo emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that the program operates with integrity and that no one engages in fraudulent activities that may harm Nigerian citizens.
The decision to suspend the program temporarily was driven by the need to investigate irregularities and verify program data. Egbuwalo mentioned, “There is a need to audit the number of people in the programme, those who have exited the programme, those who are being owed, whether they reported to work or not, and how funds have been utilised over this period.”
He assured beneficiaries with legitimate claims that the government would address their concerns and fulfill all valid outstanding obligations once the verification process is completed. The overarching goal of these changes is to create a more efficient and equitable N-Power program that positively impacts the lives of Nigerian youth and contributes to national development.
