N-Power Beneficiaries Announce Protest Over Delayed Stipend Payments

N-Power beneficiaries across Nigeria have announced plans to stage a protest over delayed stipend payments, as frustration continues to grow among participants of the federal government’s job and skills programme.

The planned protest, which has gained traction on social media platforms, is being organised by beneficiaries who say they have waited too long for stipends owed to them. Many claim they have gone for several months without payment despite repeated assurances from relevant government agencies that the issue would be resolved.

In recent weeks, posts calling for collective action have circulated widely in N-Power online groups, with beneficiaries sharing their experiences and urging others to stand up for their entitlements. Some organisers say the protest is meant to draw national attention to the hardship caused by the delays and to demand clear communication from authorities.

“We are not asking for favours,” one beneficiary wrote online. “This is money we worked for. We deserve to know when it will be paid.”

The Federal Government had earlier acknowledged the backlog of unpaid stipends. In mid-2025, officials disclosed that funds were approved to clear outstanding arrears owed to beneficiaries from previous engagement cycles. However, many participants say the approval has not translated into actual payments, leaving them confused and disappointed.

Some beneficiaries believe the delays are linked to administrative processes and budget implementation, while others accuse officials of poor communication. The lack of an official payment timeline has fueled rumours and misinformation, further increasing tension among participants.

Labour groups, including the Nigeria Labour Congress, have also shown interest in the matter. They have engaged with affected beneficiaries and called for a peaceful resolution, urging the government to honour its commitments and prevent the situation from escalating.

Despite the growing anger, organisers of the protest insist it will be peaceful. They say the goal is not confrontation, but accountability and transparency. Beneficiaries are being encouraged to gather at designated public locations in their respective states to make their voices heard.

As of now, there has been no official response confirming the protest or announcing a definite date for the resumption of stipend payments. Until clear action is taken, many beneficiaries say they are no longer willing to remain silent.

The N-Power programme, created under the National Social Investment Programme, was designed to support young Nigerians through temporary employment and skills development. For many participants, timely payment is not just about income—it is about trust, dignity, and survival.

Whether the planned protest will lead to swift government action remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that patience among N-Power beneficiaries is running out.