Nationwide Peaceful Protest Planned by N-Power Beneficiaries Over Non-Payment of Stipends

Nigeria is set to witness a nationwide peaceful protest on May 15, 2023, as beneficiaries of the N-Power Batch C stream II have resolved to take to the streets to demand the payment of their six months’ stipends.

The protest is coming on the heels of the perceived insensitivity of the Federal Government, led by Sadiya Umar Faruq, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disasters and Social Development, to the plight of the beneficiaries.

In a statement signed by Bashir Ladan, the National Secretary for the National Chairman, the beneficiaries stated that they would hold peaceful protests in the 36 state capitals, including Abuja. They noted that the protest would continue until the government settles their six months’ stipends.

The beneficiaries have called on all concerned individuals to join them in the protest. However, they have also emphasized that the protest would be peaceful and have listed guidelines for the protest. Among the guidelines, the beneficiaries have urged those who are not beneficiaries of the scheme to stay away from the protest, while those who intend to participate must not carry any objects except papers.

It is noteworthy that the N-Power scheme was introduced by the Federal Government in 2016 to address the challenge of youth unemployment in the country. The programme engages young Nigerians in various vocational skills and provides them with a monthly stipend to cushion the effect of unemployment.

However, there have been complaints from beneficiaries about the non-payment of their stipends, which the Federal Government has promised to address.