A group of N-Power scheme beneficiaries has submitted a formal petition to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Nentawe Yilwatda, urging the prompt payment of their unpaid stipends for the period spanning October 2022 to September 2023.
The petition, submitted through human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, calls for the minister’s intervention in settling these outstanding salaries.
In a letter addressed to Yilwatda, Adeyanju, acting on behalf of the petitioners, explained the beneficiaries’ plight, stating, “We are solicitors to Adeshina Adex and several others (hereinafter referred to as our clients) on whose instructions we act.”
The letter, dated November 5, 2024, is titled, “Demand for Payment of Outstanding Salaries of N-Power Beneficiaries from October 2022 to September 2023.”
According to Adeyanju, the beneficiaries faithfully completed their duties under the N-Power scheme, serving diligently in their assigned locations for the entire 12-month period.
He emphasized that they had participated in good faith, expecting their stipends as agreed upon. “Our clients are yet to receive their monthly stipends from October 2022 to September 2023, despite fulfilling all obligations and upholding their commitments to the N-Power programme,” the letter stated.
The petition highlights the financial challenges these participants have faced due to the prolonged delay in payment, underscoring that the stipends were essential for their financial stability.
Adeyanju noted, “Our clients are currently experiencing significant financial difficulty due to the non-payment of their stipends. As participants in the N-Power programme, they relied on the monthly stipends to provide much-needed financial relief and stability.”
Further explaining the purpose of the N-Power programme, the petition stressed its aim to reduce financial burdens and promote sustainable livelihoods by offering a reliable income. In light of this, the petitioners are now calling for the “immediate payment of all outstanding salaries accrued over the duration of their employment.”
The letter concluded with a call for swift action and included relevant documents to facilitate the verification process.
