Calls for the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, have intensified among beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s N-Power programme, following fresh developments in an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
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Across multiple public forums and reactions to the EFCC’s announcement of a court-issued arrest warrant, several N-Power beneficiaries expressed frustration over prolonged unpaid stipends and unresolved claims tied to the scheme, particularly under the N-EXIT package. Many insist that beyond the current charges, issues directly affecting beneficiaries should form part of any legal action.
The N-Power programme, introduced under the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), was designed to provide temporary employment and skills development for young Nigerians. However, beneficiaries from different batches have repeatedly raised concerns over delayed payments, missing stipends, and incomplete transition packages.
Some beneficiaries claim they are owed between nine to twelve months of stipends, while others referenced unfulfilled promises linked to training support, devices, and exit opportunities under the N-EXIT initiative. These grievances resurfaced strongly in public discourse after the EFCC confirmed legal proceedings against the former minister.
“We are still waiting for our stipends and N-EXIT package. Those issues should not be ignored,” one beneficiary stated in reaction to the development.
Another added, “The money involved is not just figures on paper. It affected real people who depended on the programme.”
The EFCC had disclosed that the charges against Farouq include alleged fraudulent conversion of public funds amounting to $1.3 million and over ₦746 million during her tenure. While the case is currently before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, beneficiaries argue that accountability must extend to all aspects of fund management under the ministry.
There are also increasing demands for a broader probe into the administration of the N-Power scheme, with some stakeholders calling for transparency in how funds allocated for stipends and programme implementation were utilised.
Despite the legal process still at an early stage, the situation has reignited public scrutiny around social intervention programmes and the mechanisms used to disburse funds to beneficiaries.
Nigeria Startup News reports that for many affected individuals, the priority remains clear — recovery of unpaid entitlements and a transparent resolution of all outstanding issues linked to the programme.
