Senate Deputy President Breaks Through on N81bn N-Power Backlog

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

There seems to be a glimmer of hope for thousands of aggrieved beneficiaries of the federal government’s N-Power programme, as the Senate, through the intervention of Deputy President BarauJibrin, has brokered a truce between the federal government and the unpaid participants over the long-standing N81 billion owed in allowances.

The resolution came following a closed-door tripartite meeting in Abuja, yesterday, involving Jibrin, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor NentaweGoshweYilwatda, and legal representatives of the affected beneficiaries, led by Barrister Abba Hikima.

The meeting, which lasted over two hours, marked a significant shift from legal contention to constructive dialogue, paving the way for eventual payment.

Speaking after the meeting, Jibrin said the aim of the intervention was to resolve the lingering impasse amicably and ensure that the affected youths were not denied what was rightfully theirs.

He stated, “The beneficiaries came to the Senate to seek my intervention. I reached out to the minister, who was very responsive, and following our discussion, today, they’ve all reached a common understanding.

“The minister has already begun the process for payment. There’s a clear intention by the federal government to fulfil its obligation. The beneficiaries have agreed to stay legal action, having seen the commitment and goodwill from the government.

“This aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises fairness and inclusivity.”

Echoing the Jibrin’s remarks, Yilwatda acknowledged the debt and assured that payment would be made within the 2025 fiscal year.

He explained that the outstanding allowances, dating back to 2022 and 2023, were part of recurrent expenditure in the federal budget, which lapsed without being paid.

Unfortunately, he said, the backlog was not re-appropriated in the subsequent 2024 and 2025 budgets, necessitating a special intervention.

Counsel to the beneficiaries, Hikima, confirmed that based on the assurances received during the meeting, litigation had been suspended.

Chairman of N-Power Beneficiaries in Nigeria, Kehinde James, also expressed gratitude to Jibrin for his timely intervention and to the ministers for their open-mindedness and reassurances.