The last few weeks have been filled with calls from different quarters for the absorption of the 2016 Npower beneficiaries into the civil service upon completion of the two year program. A critical look at the unemployment situation in the country would suggest such call is timely and should be given due consideration by the government. Going with the terms of engagement of the program on the other hand would suggest otherwise. It should be understood that the Npower scheme is one of the four pillars of the social investment program (SIP) of the current administration aimed at developing manpower, tackling unemployment and reducing poverty. Each program under the SIP has its terms and conditions. In the private sector, programs such as this are termed graduate trainee programs, here participants are exposed to the workings of the organization and are provided trainings that would aid their seamless absorption into the organization. It is common knowledge in such programs that not every participant will eventually get to work in the organization at the end of the trainings. Those selected are ones who must have displayed good grasp of what's being taught, resilience in character and prospect of valuable contributions to the growth of such company. In making those selections, there are checklists used in measuring performances of individuals in various aspects of the training. A critical look at the workings of the Npower scheme reveals several organizational flaws. Many participants are deployed to non existing or underperforming places of assignment where there's little or nothing to do. Also, many beneficiaries are not fully engaged even when facilities to work with are available. A large number of beneficiaries take the program as a passive income source, they spend most times attending to other jobs and only come around when there's news of impending inspection. Hence, it wouldn't be wrong to say there are faults on Npower organizers as well as the beneficiaries. However, the idea of retaining them on a permanent basis not be taken seriously by anyone. Applying measures employed in the private sector for selection would however be a welcome approach. Here, effective monitoring and supervision would be enforced and only those who have proven to be hardworking, valuable and of good character and work ethics will be absorbed into the civil service. These persons would have proven beyond doubt that they are deservedly worthy of their places. For instance, teachers who have been able to improve the academic performances of their wards could be considered. Likewise agro workers who through hardwork are able to help farmers increase productivity, enhance good practices and in the long run increase their income deserve to be retained. Just as outstanding corp members are recognized and awarded in the NYSC scheme, similar measures could be applied here, only this time, the reward will be employment into the civil service. Undertaking these activities could appear daunting but it's a good way to ensure we get only qualified people to work for government. The task can be made easier through collaboration with states and local governments to ensure proper monitoring and evaluation. As a suggestion, 1% of beneficiaries could be absorbed in each batch and projects to be considered for nomination should align with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United nations. This is sure to spur participants to do better. There are extraordinary brains and great minds involved in this program, hence, this could be a way to getting more innovative people involved in transforming the civil service. The idea of having a job juat because one is unemployed should be abolished, rather getting a job should be for people who are dedicated, qualified and ready to add value.

Why should government continue to be the main employer of labour ? It is a call that helps people but draws back the country's development and stability in much greater way.

Look at the Dangote refinery very well. It was built to run on few hands and that spells lost employment opportunity for the nation. Why invest so much forex on such when the government could have at least built a bigger and less technology driven one that employs people more and pay them far above the 30,000 N-Power is offering?

To me N-power is a scheme designed to enslave us further in the long run. It is unsustainable and was designed to end just when election are drawing near so people can vote buhari.
It mirrors our many other sharing schemes that has enslaved us to corruption.

Govt can do better than promoting sectional interest.


Even the agric section of the N-Power isn't well mechanized to merit any accolade of a 2017 scheme, it is largely info based or a mentoring scheme with little input. The earlier we see far enough to realize what we are doing won't solve Nigeria's problems in the long run the better. We need more . . .