IMPACT OF THE N-POWER PROGRAM ON POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA (2016-2020)

Abstract

This study examined the effect of n-power program on poverty alleviation in
Nigeria; a study Enugu state, 2016 - 2020. The study sought to assess how N-Power
programme of President Mohammadu Buhari administration had achieved its target of
poverty alleviation in Enugu state between 2016 – 2020 and examine the constraints that
undermine N-power programme in poverty alleviation in Enugu State. The study was
descriptive and relied on secondary sources of data collection and used content analysis to
analyze its data. The study found among others, that N-Power programme has assuaged
unemployment, built capacities of young graduates, increased disposable income, stimulated
economic value chain and has enhanced investment of youths in within the period of 2016-
2020. While it was challenged by decentralization of authority, correct BVN information,
objective decision on recruitment, selection of candidates with requisite training and
conversion of N-Power beneficiaries to permanent staff would make N-Power programme
formidable for reduction of unemployment in Nigeria. The study recommended that
government should endeavour to make N-Power job permanent, candidates with skills and
knowledge into N-Power programme and that government should decentralize N-Power
programme to both state and local government levels, equally, beneficiaries should
endeavour to submit correct BVN to the management of N-Power for easy payment of
stipends. All these can enhance N-Power to alleviate poverty in Enugu state.