Assessment of N-Power Program in Nigeria and It's Impact on National Development: a Case Study of Zamfara State

Abstract This study examines the impact of the Federal Government’s N-Power Programme on national development, with a focus on Zamfara State. The N-Power initiative was introduced to address youth unemployment, poverty, and low productivity through job creation and skill acquisition among Nigerians aged 18–35. Using a survey design, data were collected from 100 respondents—comprising beneficiaries of different N-Power strands (N-Teach, N-Agro, and N-Health) and non-beneficiaries—within Gusau metropolis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and simple percentage methods. Findings reveal that the N-Power Programme significantly contributed to youth empowerment and socio-economic development in Zamfara State by improving participants’ income, enhancing skill acquisition, and promoting entrepreneurship. The programme was also found to have reduced unemployment and poverty among youths in the study area. However, challenges such as delayed payment of stipends, corruption, poor monitoring, and inequitable selection processes hindered its effectiveness. The study concludes that while N-Power has positively impacted youth empowerment and local development, greater transparency, prompt payment, and improved administrative efficiency are necessary to sustain its benefits. It recommends that the Federal Government strengthen monitoring mechanisms, ensure fairness in beneficiary selection, and expand the programme’s capacity to achieve broader national development goals.