Latest Update on N-Power Payments: Backlog Clearance and Rumors of September Disbursements

 

Latest Update on N-Power Payments: Backlog Clearance and Rumors of September Disbursements

Hello readers! If you're a beneficiary of Nigeria's N-Power program or simply following the government's social investment initiatives, you know how crucial timely stipend payments are. The N-Power scheme, launched to empower unemployed youth through skill acquisition and job placement, has unfortunately faced delays in payments, leading to widespread frustration among participants. Today, we're diving into the most recent developments on the payment front, based on official disclosures and circulating reports as of August 18, 2025.

Background on the N-Power Backlog

For context, the Federal Government owes approximately ₦81 billion in unpaid allowances to N-Power beneficiaries from the 2022 and 2023 batches. These arrears stem from funding gaps in previous budgets, affecting thousands of participants who have been awaiting their stipends for months—or even years. The issue gained significant attention earlier this year, prompting protests, legal threats, and intervention from the National Assembly.

Senate Intervention and Government Commitment

In a positive turn, the Senate stepped in to mediate between the beneficiaries and the government. On July 22, 2025, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin facilitated a key meeting involving representatives from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, the aggrieved beneficiaries, and their legal counsel. The outcome? The government has committed to clearing the entire ₦81 billion backlog.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, explained that while the arrears were budgeted in 2022 and 2023, they weren't fully funded in subsequent years (2024 and 2025). However, approval was secured from the service-wide vote late last year, and efforts are underway to activate the payments within the current fiscal year. The minister assured that the issue would be resolved before the end of 2025, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Beneficiaries, in response, agreed to suspend any ongoing litigation, expressing optimism about the government's sincerity.

This development has been hailed as a breakthrough, with Kehinde James, Chairman of the N-Power beneficiaries, thanking the Senate and ministers for their role in pushing for accountability.

Circulating Reports on September Payments

Adding to the buzz, a report circulating on social media as of August 18, 2025, alleges that the Acting Program Manager of N-Power, Dr. Zarmalulun Garba, has submitted beneficiary accounts to the Minister of Finance for fund release from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). According to this claim, payments could commence anytime from September 2025 onward.

However, it's important to note that this information remains unverified. The National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), which oversees N-Power, has not issued any official statement confirming the submission or timeline. Instead, NSIPA is currently prioritizing other initiatives like GEEP 3.0 for smallholder farmers. Sources investigating the claim, including independent news outlets, have found no supporting evidence from official channels, such as press releases or statements from Finance Minister Adebayo Olawale Edun. Beneficiaries are advised to disregard unconfirmed rumors and avoid paying any "facilitators" who promise to expedite disbursements—these are often scams.

What Beneficiaries Should Do Next

• Verify Your Details: Log into the NASIMS portal (nasims.gov.ng) to ensure your account information is up to date. Any official payment announcements will likely be made there.
• Stay Informed via Official Sources: Follow NSIPA's verified channels on X (@NSIPAgency) and Facebook for authentic updates. Avoid relying on social media trends without cross-checking.
• Be Patient and Hopeful: With the Senate's involvement and government assurances, payments appear to be on the horizon. If you're affected, consider joining beneficiary groups for support, but always prioritize verified information.

The N-Power program has transformed lives by providing skills and opportunities, but payment delays have undermined its impact. We hope this backlog clearance brings much-needed relief and restores faith in the initiative. Stay tuned to our site for more updates—if official confirmations emerge, we'll cover them right away!

What are your thoughts? Have you been affected by the delays? Share in the comments below.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available reports. Always consult official government sources for the latest and most accurate information.