N-Power beneficiaries across Nigeria are planning a nationwide protest in February 2026 over unpaid stipends, following months of frustration, conflicting assurances, and slow administrative processes by the Federal Government. The planned protest has been widely circulated on social media, with organisers and supporters stating that demonstrations will hold on Wednesday, 4th February, in all states of the federation.
Several Facebook posts and comments from beneficiaries show growing impatience with delays in payment. One post announcing the protest read, “Zanga-zangar N-Power babu gudu babu ja-da-baya. Wednesday, 4th February. Nationwide,” followed by the English translation, “N-Power protest no retreat no surrender. N-POWER protest, 4th of February, Every state in every state.”
Reactions from beneficiaries suggest deep skepticism about repeated promises. Isah Muhammad wrote, “We’ve heard this kind of announcement many times already. N-Power beneficiaries are tired of promises and suspense—we want clear information and concrete action, not constant build-ups.” He added, “Honestly, we’re exhausted from hearing this same talk over and over. If there’s something real, let it be said plainly.”
Other commenters questioned the timing of the planned protest. One beneficiary wrote, “February is too far for this protest,” while another asked, “Why wait until February 4? Why was there such a long delay?” Calls for immediate mobilisation were also visible.
The protest calls are emerging alongside legal action taken by beneficiaries. Court documents circulating online show that a case involving Junaidu Shehu and nine others against the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and three other parties has been filed at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja. The suit, numbered NICN/ABJ/214/2025, is scheduled for mention on Monday, 15th January 2026, at the court sitting in Garki, Abuja. The notice was dated 3rd December 2025 and signed by the Chief Registrar of the court.
Beyond social media mobilisation, official records indicate that the issue of unpaid stipends has been acknowledged at the federal level. In July 2025, the Nigerian Senate disclosed that the Federal Government approved N81 billion to clear outstanding N-Power stipend arrears owed to beneficiaries from previous engagement cycles. The approval was presented as part of efforts to address long-standing complaints by participants of the programme.
Despite the approval, beneficiaries say payments have not reached many of those affected. Some commenters suggest expectations that payments may only begin after the full implementation of the 2025 budget.
Labour groups have also shown interest in the matter. The Nigeria Labour Congress engaged with N-Power beneficiaries over the unpaid stipends, acknowledging that some participants were owed for periods ranging from eight to twelve months. The engagement was described as part of efforts to seek peaceful resolution and dialogue.
Fact-checking organisations have cautioned against unverified claims circulating online, and have reported that there was no official statement confirming specific dates for the resumption of N-Power stipend payments, despite widespread social media claims.
The N-Power programme, launched under the National Social Investment Programme, was designed to provide skills development and temporary income support for young Nigerians. Over the years, it has enrolled hundreds of thousands of participants nationwide. However, delayed exits, payment backlogs, and policy changes have continued to generate tension between beneficiaries and government agencies.
Supporters of the protest insist it will be peaceful and nationwide, urging participants to gather at designated public spaces within their states. While no official protest permit details have been released, the organisers continue to share updates to reach a wider audience.
