Relief may be in sight for thousands of N-Power beneficiaries across Nigeria as the Senate has waded into the prolonged controversy over ₦81 billion in unpaid stipends owed since 2022 and 2023.

On Tuesday, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, convened a high-level meeting at the National Assembly with aggrieved beneficiaries, government officials, and legal representatives. The closed-door session, which lasted over two hours, resulted in a major breakthrough: beneficiaries agreed to suspend their planned legal action against the Federal Government.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Senator Jibrin reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to addressing inherited liabilities and restoring public trust.

“The beneficiaries approached the Senate for intervention. I contacted the relevant minister, who responded swiftly and assured us that steps are being taken to clear the arrears,” he said. “This government listens. Under the Renewed Hope agenda, no one will be left behind.”

The ₦81 billion debt arose from the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years and was categorized under recurrent expenditure, which could not be rolled over into the 2024 budget. Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Gwarzo, explained that although the government secured approval to fund the backlog from the service-wide vote, it was unable to disburse the payments before the end of the fiscal year due to timing constraints.

“We are working to ensure that the 2025 budget implementation captures and clears these outstanding payments,” Gwarzo said. “We acknowledge the debt and assure beneficiaries that it will be settled within the year.”

The legal counsel to the beneficiaries, Barrister Abba Hikima, also confirmed the suspension of litigation based on the government’s assurances.

“The government has admitted it owes about ₦81 billion and has given its word. Based on today’s commitment, we are stepping back from legal proceedings — for now — in good faith,” he stated.

Officials from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs were also present, indicating a coordinated government approach to resolving the issue.

For many of the affected individuals, the Senate’s intervention marks a turning point.

“We are genuinely grateful to Senator Barau for personally taking up this matter,” said Kehinde James, National Chairman of the N-Power Beneficiaries. “It shows we are not forgotten. After years of silence, there’s finally hope that justice will be done.”

The N-Power programme, a flagship youth empowerment initiative launched to combat unemployment, has faced disruptions in recent years due to funding gaps and administrative transitions. Tuesday’s resolution offers a glimmer of hope that the programme’s integrity — and the livelihoods of thousands — will be restored.