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 inNigeria; a study Enugu state, 2016 - 2020. The study sought to assess how N-Powerprogramme of President Mohammadu Buhari administration had achieved its target ofpoverty alleviation in Enugu state between 2016 – 2020 and examine the constraints thatundermine N-power programme in poverty alleviation in Enugu State. The study wasdescriptive and relied on secondary sources of data collection and used content analysis toanalyze its data. The study found among others, that N-Power programme has assuagedunemployment, built capacities of young graduates, increased disposable income, stimulatedeconomic 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 andconversion of N-Power beneficiaries to permanent staff would make N-Power programmeformidable for reduction of unemployment in Nigeria. The study recommended thatgovernment should endeavour to make N-Power job permanent, candidates with skills andknowledge into N-Power programme and that government should decentralize N-Powerprogramme to both state and local government levels, equally, beneficiaries shouldendeavour to submit correct BVN to the management of N-Power for easy payment ofstipends. All these can enhance N-Power to alleviate poverty in Enugu state.