…Speaks on the future of those enrolled in 2016
…Gives date for the commencement of payment
The federal government on Monday, 2nd of December, 2019 gave clarification for the continued delay in the payment of N-Power beneficiaries who are currently being owed for the months of October and November.
Speaking to newsmen at Abuja, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, (the new ministry in charge of the Social Investment Programme of the FG) Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, said the delay isn’t unconnected to the ongoing transfer of the programme to the new ministry which was hitherto, under the office of the Vice President.
“I have received initial briefings from the heads of agencies and programmes reporting to the ministry from October, 2019, about a month ago. However, technicalities involved in handing-over process is still ongoing.
“With regards to the recent agitations and outcries against N-Power approval of payments of October and November, 2019 stipends, by N-Power beneficiaries, the ministry wishes to re-affirm its commitment to ensuring that the beneficiaries of the all Social Investment Programmes access interventions designed for them within the stipulated guidelines.”
The minister also said there are calls for the N-Power and GEEP programme to be completely restructured and they are looking into that.
Speaking about the 2016 beneficiaries, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq said; “N-Power beneficiaries enrolled in 2016 are yet to be exited, 16 months after the elapse of their contract. They are supposed to have been graduated to a more productive venture. The ministry is currently making efforts to develop an exit strategy which is non-existence,” she said.
The Minister further assured all the beneficiaries that all their arrears will be paid, as soon as the hangings and the gray areas are addressed stressing that; “There should be no apprehension with regards the continuity or sustainability of the Social Investment Programme as the government will continue to adequately fund them and ensure that they reach the beneficiaries and touch lives positively.”
While fielding questions on the possible date for the commencement of payment, the Minister said; “Beneficiaries will receive their outstanding allowances on 20th December, 2019” this she said will include December allowance.
