Latest NPower News For December 2024
In the past few months, the NPower program has faced notable challenges and developments. This federal government initiative under the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) has significantly contributed to reducing the youth unemployment rate in Nigeria since its inception in 2016. However, recent events, including the fire outbreak at the National Social Investment Programme Agency warehouse and financial hurdles, have brought the program into the spotlight again.
This article covers the latest updates, including actions by the House of Representatives, the recent warehouse fire incident, and the government’s plans to revive the N-Power Program.
Latest NPower News
House of Representatives Request to Unfreeze NSIP Accounts
GoldenNewsNg gathered that the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to unfreeze the accounts of the NSIP Agency. Stating that the funds are needed to resume N-Power operations, including paying beneficiaries’ backlogs and facilitating ongoing training and skill development initiatives.
Fire Outbreak at NSIP Warehouse in Abuja
On Thursday, December 5, 2024, a fire gutted the NSIP warehouse in Idu, Abuja, destroying training tools valued at billions of naira. These materials were intended for use by N-Power beneficiaries, particularly those in vocational training streams. While investigations into the fire’s cause are ongoing, this loss further complicates the program’s operations.
Addressing Financial Mismanagement Allegations
The N-Power program was suspended earlier this year (2024) due to allegations of mismanagement by its handlers. The freezing of accounts and subsequent financial audits were efforts to restore accountability and transparency within the system.
What is NPower?
N-Power is a flagship initiative aimed at addressing youth unemployment in Nigeria. It provides young Nigerians with opportunities to gain valuable skills and work experience in sectors such as:
- Technology: Empowering youth with skills for software development and IT support.
- Health: Deploying participants to healthcare facilities for essential training and service delivery.
- Agriculture: Equipping beneficiaries with knowledge to improve food production and agribusiness.
Participants receive stipends and mentorship throughout the two-year program, positioning them for long-term career success.
Efforts to Revive N-Power
The new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reviving the program. This includes:
- Clearing Unpaid Backlogs: Thousands of beneficiaries have been awaiting payment of their stipends, and the ministry is working on resolving these issues promptly.
- Replenishing Training Resources: Efforts are underway to replace the resources lost in the Abuja warehouse fire.
- Enhanced Oversight: To prevent further mismanagement, new monitoring frameworks are being designed.
How Beneficiaries Can Stay Updated
To stay informed about N-Power and NSIP-related updates, beneficiaries are encouraged to:
- Regularly visit the GoldenNewsNg.com/Npower, and visit the NPower Portal to check for the latest Updates.
- Confirm personal details, such as account and contact information, on the program’s database to ensure stipend disbursement.
- Follow updates on social media channels verified by the ministry.
Conclusion
The N-Power program remains an important lifeline for addressing unemployment and fostering youth empowerment in Nigeria. Despite recent setbacks, the government’s proactive steps to resolve financial and operational challenges signal a brighter future for beneficiaries.
For further updates on N-Power and other NSIP initiatives, stay connected to GoldenNewsNg.com.
