More than 1.49 million N-Power beneficiaries across Nigeria have issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate payment of outstanding stipends they say have remained unpaid for over three years.
In a press statement dated 9 March 2026, representatives of the beneficiaries expressed deep frustration over what they described as the government’s continued refusal to settle payments owed to participants of the youth empowerment programme.
The statement, signed by the National Chairman and National Publicity Secretary of N-Power Beneficiaries Nationwide, said the prolonged delay has pushed many young Nigerians into severe financial hardship.
“We, the 1,495,571 N-Power beneficiaries across Nigeria, wish to formally express our deep frustration, anger, and disappointment over the Federal Government’s continued refusal to pay our outstanding stipends,” the statement read.
According to the beneficiaries, the unpaid stipends are not charity but payments for services already rendered under a government programme designed to empower Nigerian youths.
“Let it be made absolutely clear: these stipends are not gifts or handouts. They are payments for services already rendered to the nation under a government programme,” they stated.
The group warned that if the government fails to clear all outstanding payments within the 10-day deadline, beneficiaries nationwide will take a political stand in future elections.
“If all outstanding stipends owed to 1,495,571 N-Power beneficiaries are not fully paid within the next ten days, we will collectively take a decisive political stand,” the statement said.
The beneficiaries further declared that they would refuse to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in future elections if their demands are ignored.
“We will NOT vote for the All Progressives Congress at any level of government in future elections. We refuse to support any political party or leadership that has made our lives miserable and unbearable for the past three years,” the statement added.
The ultimatum follows a peaceful protest staged by N-Power beneficiaries on February 4, 2026, at the National Assembly complex and the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, where participants demanded the immediate payment of their outstanding stipends.
The protest took place shortly after the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, assured that verified beneficiaries owed stipends would be paid. The minister said the ministry was working with the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA) to review the programme and address structural challenges affecting its delivery.
Despite that assurance, many beneficiaries say no concrete payment timeline has been communicated, prompting the renewed pressure on the government.
Meanwhile, the dispute has also entered the legal arena. A court case filed by N-Power beneficiaries against the Federal Government over the unpaid stipends has been adjourned to May 19, 2026.
Over the years, beneficiaries of the programme have organised multiple protests and appeals demanding the payment of nine months of outstanding stipends, arguing that the prolonged delay undermines the credibility of one of Nigeria’s most prominent youth empowerment initiatives.
