Impact of N-Power Scheme on Poverty Reduction in Bida Local Government Area of Niger State (2016 – 2020)

Abstract

Over the years, poverty rate in Nigeria has surged beyond considerable point in spite of different interventions and poverty reduction strategies. It is against this background that this study examined the effectuality of the N-Power programme, a youth empowerment and poverty reduction program among its beneficiaries in Bida Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. The study adopts human capital theory. Data were qualitatively and quantitatively collected using 320 questionnaires from a population of 1598. Out of the 320-instrument distributed, only 285 was returned and used for analysis. The purposive sampling technique was used in selecting the samples from the study area. Data collected from the field were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study reveals that most of the disengaged beneficiaries of the N-Power programme affirmed that the programme did not contribute to poverty reduction in their lives. As such, poverty and unemployment are still prevalent as majority of the N-Power beneficiaries were not adequately equipped with financial remuneration and necessary skills to develop capacity. The study suggests that subsequent poverty reduction programmes should provide fair remunerations that reflects prevailing cost of living. The study further recommended that State and Locals governments on their parts should establish sustainable anti-poverty schemes similar to the N-Power scheme in their various states and local government areas in tandem with the Federal Government anti-poverty programmes.