THE IMPACT OF N-POWER ON POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF N-POWER BENEFICIARIES IN BIDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Abstract

This study was undertaken in order to examine the effect of social investment on poverty alleviation. Special focus was given to the beneficiaries of the N-Power programme and how it has improved the living standard of the volunteers. Since the introduction of the N-power scheme by the Buhari-led administration in 2016, there is limited independent empirical research that focuses on the impact of the programme at the grass root level in alleviating poverty to show the effect of the scheme in addressing youth unemployment and subsequently reducing poverty. The study adopted survey research design with a sample size of 235. Chi-square was used to statistically test the hypothesis formulated for the research. The findings of the research revealed that the N-power programme has made significant impact on poverty alleviation among the beneficiaries and it has improved their standard of living and improved the provision of educational services in Bida local government. The study recommends among others the introduction of a personal development and capacity building programme, establishment of an exit package for the beneficiaries so as to give them financial independence after the scheme.