Npower Update: Outstanding Payments Expected to Be Cleared Within Two Weeks - Aishat Alubankudi

 

As per the latest Npower update, Aishat Alubankudi, the Programme Manager for Grants to Vulnerable Groups, has stated that Npower beneficiaries should expect their overdue payments to be settled within the next two weeks or so. This information was shared in response to a question from a concerned beneficiary regarding the delayed payments of 9 to 12 months. Alubankudi mentioned that a meeting was held earlier in the week (Tuesday/Wednesday) to address the issue, and the payments are expected to be processed soon. An image attached to the news publication further confirms her statement.

Aishat Alubankudi was recently appointed as the Program Manager responsible for overseeing grants for vulnerable groups nationwide. While some Npower beneficiaries remain skeptical about the promised resolution, others have welcomed the news with optimism, hopeful that their long-awaited stipends will soon be disbursed.

Earlier this year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended the Npower program due to allegations of mismanagement of public funds within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA). As a result, payments to Npower Batch C beneficiaries have been delayed for over a year, causing significant financial hardship for those who have diligently fulfilled their duties at their assigned posts. 

In response, the National Association of Npower Beneficiaries is planning a meeting with the new Chief Executive Officer of NSIPA in the coming weeks to expedite the payment of the outstanding 12 months’ stipends. The association’s leadership, along with all Npower beneficiaries, is appealing to President Tinubu to lift the suspension on the program, allowing them to finally receive their payments.

We’ve Disbursed N24.8bn to 991,261 Households Nationwide for Poverty Reduction

Dr. Badamasi Lawal, the National Coordinator/CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), announced that the agency has distributed N24,781,525,000 to 991,261 household beneficiaries across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, under the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer (RH-CCT) initiative.

In a statement released on Thursday and made available to *Blueprint* in Abuja, Lawal disclosed that in August 2024, 153,038 households were paid a total of N3,825,950,000, while in September 2024, N20,955,575,000 was disbursed to 838,223 households across the country. Each beneficiary received N25,000 through their respective Financial Service Providers (FSP).

Lawal highlighted that the Renewed Hope Agenda, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is designed to reduce poverty and improve the living conditions of Nigeria's poor and vulnerable citizens.

He stated: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda focuses on alleviating poverty and enhancing the welfare of Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations. Through the National Cash Transfer Office under NSIPA, we have released N24,781,525,000 for payments to 991,261 households across the 36 states and the FCT.

In August 2024, 153,038 households were paid N3,825,950,000, while in September 2024, N20,955,575,000 was disbursed to 838,223 households. Each recipient received N25,000 via their Financial Service Providers (FSP)."

The RH-CCT initiative aims to mitigate the economic hardships faced by these households, providing immediate poverty relief, improving household finances, and encouraging savings. In addition to financial benefits, the program enhances beneficiaries' health, nutritional services, and overall well-being, fostering stronger interpersonal relationships and family happiness.

Npower Update: National Publicity Secretary to Relocate to Kaduna

 

According to recent reports from Npower News, the National Publicity Secretary of Npower, Adeshina A. Adex, has announced his impending move to Kaduna ahead of the screening of Dr. Badamasi Lawal, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA). This follows news that Dr. Lawal's Personal Assistant recently stated that Npower Batch C beneficiaries are invited to accompany him to his screening, which is expected to begin soon.

Npower News also reports that both the National Association of Npower Beneficiaries and current beneficiaries are counting on Dr. Lawal to leverage his influence to urge the President to lift the suspension on Npower. Beneficiaries are seeking the release of their unpaid stipends, which have been outstanding for 12 months. There is hope that Dr. Lawal's leadership will mark a turning point in resolving the payment issues affecting Npower Batch C.

The beneficiaries have outlined several demands, including the payment of their 9 to 12 months’ outstanding stipends, a meaningful exit package in the form of loans or grants, and permanent employment within various federal ministries, departments, and agencies. Npower Batch C beneficiaries have been left in limbo since the program was suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in early January due to allegations of fund misappropriation against the former Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu.

The federal government, via the Ministry of Finance, has announced the commencement of a second round of payments to approximately one million participants in its cash-based Social Investment Programme (SIP)

The federal government, via the Ministry of Finance, has announced the commencement of a second round of payments to approximately one million participants in its cash-based Social Investment Programme (SIP). However, no specific details were provided regarding the beneficiaries, distribution process, or the total amount allocated.

This update was revealed during a session of the Presidential Panel on the Social Investment Programme, chaired by Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun. The meeting, which took place at the ministry’s headquarters, focused on reviewing the progress of policies related to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

In a statement from the ministry, it was highlighted that the second disbursement had been made to around one million verified beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

Furthermore, the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) was instructed to work closely with the National Identity Management Company (NIMC) to facilitate the registration of National Identification Numbers (NINs). A new communication strategy aimed at broadening the programme's outreach was also discussed.

The ministry also looked into possible reforms to the school feeding programme, though no further details were disclosed. This initiative has faced issues of corruption and irregularities since its launch under the previous administration.

The minister emphasized the need to properly identify the most vulnerable groups and ensure they receive their benefits promptly and securely via digital platforms. He reiterated the President’s commitment to implementing social investment programmes with transparency and efficiency.