After N-power, what is next?

In December 2016, the Nigerian government commenced employment of 200,000 youths under the N-power scheme with a N30,000 remuneration. The sole aim of the programme is to alleviate poverty among Nigerian youths, especially graduates. This initiative is unprecedented in the history of Nigerian politics, therefore it is commendable. The programme is subdivided into the following: […]

In December 2016, the Nigerian government commenced employment of 200,000 youths under the N-power scheme with a N30,000 remuneration. The sole aim of the programme is to alleviate poverty among Nigerian youths, especially graduates. This initiative is unprecedented in the history of Nigerian politics, therefore it is commendable. The programme is subdivided into the following: N-power teach, Agro and N-build. And the total time allocated for the programme is 24 months. 

Some wise persons among the beneficiaries have already ventured into small scale businesses, from their monthly earnings. 

At the moment, the beneficiaries have already exhausted 19 months out of 24 months, so I am posing the question; what next?

There is a need for the federal government to provide an answer to that. The youths engaged in the programme need to know their fate. Personally, I don’t think the federal government should end the programme. Terminating the appointment of 200,000 youths will only add to the insecurity issue we are battling.  An alternative is for the government to find a way of absorbing the youths in the various ministries, parastatals and agencies.

Haruna Hassan is of the Department of Mass Communications, Bayero University, Kano.