Beneficiaries of Nigeria’s youth empowerment program on Wednesday, held peaceful demonstrations at the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja to protest the non-payment of their stipends for the past nine to twelve months.
The demonstrators under the umbrella of the National Association of N-Power Beneficiaries carried signs with messages such as “Renewed Hope or Recycled Neglect? N-Power,” “They Worked, Pay Them. N-Power,” and “Pay N-Power.” They accused the Nigerian government of failing to fulfill its commitments to N-Power beneficiaries, despite their months of dedicated service and numerous appeals made through official channels.
During the protest, a statement was released highlighting that the extended delay in stipend payments has subjected N-Power beneficiaries nationwide to significant financial difficulties, emotional distress, and a loss of dignity, which contradicts the goals of the youth empowerment initiative.
According to the beneficiaries, their rightful payments have been unfairly withheld, despite their patience and ongoing contributions.
This neglect has adversely impacted the welfare of thousands of Nigerian youths who depend on the program for their livelihoods.
The protesters called for immediate action, accountability, and transparency from the relevant government authorities regarding the overdue stipends and the overall status of the N-Power program.
They demanded the prompt payment of all outstanding amounts owed to beneficiaries and clear communication from the Nigerian government about the future of the N-Power initiative.
While affirming their commitment to peaceful and lawful engagement, the protesters warned that they would not remain silent in the face of what they termed ongoing injustice.
The issue of unpaid stipends for N-Power beneficiaries has been a persistent problem since the program’s inception during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
Beneficiaries have made numerous appeals and organized several protests to demand the payment of the nine months of outstanding stipends from the Nigerian government.
In 2025, dissatisfied N-Power beneficiaries filed a lawsuit against the government led by President Bola Tinubu at the National Industrial Court in Abuja over the unpaid stipends and entitlements.
The lawsuit, initiated by their legal team headed by Barrister A. A. Hikima, named the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and Mr. Akindele Egbuwalo (the National Programme Manager of N-Power, sued on behalf of the program) as the first to fourth defendants.
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