NPower Beneficiaries Set to Protest Nationwide over Unpaid Stipend – See Protest Date
The recent developments within the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIPA) indicate a proactive approach by Mrs. Halima Shehu, the CEO of NSIPA. Her leadership is evident in spearheading a thorough inspection of the NSIPA Warehouses and Skills Acquisition Center. This aligns with NSIPA’s ongoing initiatives, and Mrs. Shehu has teased that ‘something cool’ is on the horizon.
However, a significant issue in focus is the prolonged delay in the payment of the NPower programme’s nine-month outstanding backlog. The Minister’s latest statement addresses this concern, acknowledging glitches in the system and assuring that efforts are underway to address these issues, with a commitment that payments will commence in due time. More details on the ongoing efforts can be found in the Minister’s statement on the NPower Backlog Payment.
Despite the assurances, dissatisfaction has grown among the National Association of N-Power Beneficiaries (NANB), spanning Batches A, B, and C. This has led to the announcement of a nationwide protest on December 13, 2023. The protest is scheduled to take place at the National Assembly and all 36 state assemblies, with beneficiaries pledging to sustain a peaceful protest until their voices are heard, and the owed nine-month stipends are paid.
In a noteworthy move, the Association has distanced itself from negative incidents involving insults, name-calling, and disrespectful rhetoric allegedly coming from individuals claiming to be disgruntled Npower Beneficiaries. The Association strongly disowns these elements, labeling them as “aliens” attempting to sow discord between the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, and the genuine Npower Beneficiaries. The Association emphasizes the positive relationship and understanding between both parties.
As the nation awaits the outcome of the impending protest, the spotlight remains on the government’s response and the resolution of the issues at hand, particularly the long-overdue stipends owed to N-Power Beneficiaries. The situation underscores the importance of effective communication, timely payments, and addressing concerns to maintain a positive relationship between the government and its beneficiaries.
