EFFECT OF N-POWER PROGRAMMES ON POVERTY REDUCTION IN NIGER STATE

Abstract

One of the greatest challenges facing Nigerian economy today is poverty. the menacing of social and economic problem of poverty in Nigeria like many developing countries past governments to introduced N-power programme aimed at reducing poverty in Nigeria particularly State. The study examines the effect of N-power programmes in reducing poverty in Niger State. The study adopted a descriptive survey design with the population of 1612 beneficiaries benefited from N-power programmes. To determine the sample size, Taro Yamane formula was adopted where the study arrived at 377. The study reveals that N-power programmes enhanced socio-economic development for the fact that N-Teach, N-Health, N-Agro and N-Vaids programmes has reduces poverty in Niger State. Yhe study further reveals that skills development, increased beneficiaries' income, employment generation, increased food availability amongst many others. The study however, recommends amongst other that The N-Power programmes such as N-Teach, N-Health, N-Agro and N-Vaids should be evaluated prior to implementation. An assessment would ensure an identification of the operational problems inherent in a proposed programmes and early resolution of such problems. Considering the short life span of the scheme, government should look at the possibility of engaging and absorbing outstanding beneficiaries into the civil service either at state or federal level. This will encourage hard work and enhance effective participation in the scheme.