The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to settling outstanding stipends owed to verified beneficiaries of the N-Power programme, giving fresh hope to thousands of former participants who have waited for months and, in some cases, years for their payments.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, assured affected beneficiaries that legitimate outstanding payment issues would be resolved as the government reviews the N-Power programme.
The minister gave the assurance amid growing concerns from beneficiaries over unpaid stipends and uncertainty surrounding the future of the programme.
According to the minister, the government is working with the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA) to review the scheme and address the structural and administrative challenges responsible for delayed payments.
Doro also disclosed that he had engaged representatives of N-Power beneficiaries to discuss their grievances, particularly the issue of unpaid stipends.
He assured beneficiaries with verified records and unresolved payment issues that they would be addressed and paid.
Government Begins Verification Process
The Federal Government’s approach means beneficiaries with genuine and verifiable outstanding claims are expected to be prioritised as the payment process is concluded.
The government has, however, not announced a fresh specific date for the commencement or completion of all outstanding N-Power payments.
The development is significant for former beneficiaries who have repeatedly demanded payment of their accumulated stipends.
The N-Power programme, introduced as part of the National Social Investment Programme, was designed to provide temporary employment, skills acquisition and financial support to young Nigerians.
₦81bn Backlog Previously Reported
The issue of unpaid N-Power allowances has been ongoing for several years.
In July 2025, the Senate intervened in the dispute over outstanding N-Power payments, with reports putting the backlog at about ₦81 billion for allowances dating back to 2022 and 2023.
The Senate intervention raised hopes that the long-standing arrears would finally be cleared.
However, beneficiaries have continued to demand concrete action and payment of all verified entitlements.
495,731 Batch C Beneficiaries Claim Outstanding Payments
In August 2026, the National Association of N-Power Beneficiaries appealed for intervention over unpaid stipends, claiming that about 495,731 former Batch C beneficiaries were still affected by outstanding payments.
The latest government assurances are therefore expected to ease concerns among beneficiaries who have continued to press for the settlement of their legitimate claims.
What N-Power Beneficiaries Should Know
Beneficiaries should note that the government’s assurance is focused on verified and eligible outstanding claims.
They should also be cautious of fraudulent messages, websites or individuals claiming to have access to an N-Power payment portal or requesting money to facilitate payment.
For now, beneficiaries are advised to rely on official government communications for information concerning verification, payment schedules and any possible reopening of application or verification portals.
The Federal Government’s latest position offers renewed hope that the long-running N-Power payment crisis could finally move towards resolution, but beneficiaries will be watching closely for the announcement of an actual disbursement date.
