774 Jobs: Plateau beneficiaries decry over non-payment of stipends

Many of the participants said they had not received even one month stipend since they were enrolled.

Hundreds of beneficiaries who participated in the Federal Government Special Public Work programme in Plateau State are decrying the non-payment and slashing of their stipends.

Many of the participants said they had not received even one month stipend since they were enrolled.

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One of the participants, who did not want his name mentioned, told Benue/Plateau Trust that they were often be told to go to Heritage Bank but would end up not being paid.

He said, “I came to Jos from Shendam and I spent almost N4000. Some of us came here three to four times. How much do you think they have spent? How much is the money altogether? It is unfair to be treated this way. We call on the officials of the programme to help us out of this  problem.

Another beneficiary  said he was able to collect his stipend for the three months but the money was cut down to N50,000 instead of N60000 and no explanation was given to them regarding the slashing of the money.

The State Coordinator of the programme, Mr Rufus Bature, said the office would soon address the issue of those who are yet to receive any payment.

He said the NDE had explained to the affected participant on the reason they have not received their full stipends. He said many have problem with their banks which have to be rectified.