Government explains reasons for ICPC’s probe of N-Power funds, implementation

*The Federal Government has explained it invited the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to unravel cases of payment irregularities and ‘fund diversion’ associated with the N-Power Programme across the country

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government has disclosed it invited the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to unravel cases of fund diversion associated with the N-Power Programme.

ConsumerConnect reports the N-Power Programme is a scheme President Muhammadu Buhari established June 8, 2016, to address the issues of youth unemployment and help increase social development.

Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, in a statement issued Wednesday, December 7, 2022, said there had been some discrepancies in the payment processes of N-Power beneficiaries.

He said the sharp practices were carried out by some personnel of the Payment Service Provider (PSP), hence the need to invite the anti-graft agency for a thorough probe.

“When it came to our notice that there may have been some sharp practices by some personnel of the Payment Service Provider involved in the payment processes of beneficiaries, the matter was immediately referred to ICPC for a thorough investigation,” the statement read.

“We are aware that certain persons have consequently been invited for interrogation as part of the ongoing investigations.”

The Permanent Secretary also pledged the Federal Government’s transparency and accountability in the N-Power and other National Social Investment Programmes.

In doing this, he said the Ministry has engaged other government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies, security agencies and civil society organisations in monitoring and compliance checks across the 36 states and the FCT.

While urging beneficiaries to apply themselves to their utmost at their Places of Primary Assignments, he assured that the government will continue paying their monthly stipends as expected.

Sani-Gwarzo also called on the public to report cases of irregularities regarding the programme through any of the following channels: npowersupport@nsip.gov.ng or npowerinfo@nsip.gov.ng or call 07030859183.