Effect of the N-Power Program Participation Benefit on Youth Economic Empowerment in Taraba State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Abstract

Youth unemployment continues to pose a significant developmental challenge in Nigeria, with rates of 8.4 percent for individuals aged 15–24 and 7.5 percent for those aged 25–34, both of which are considerably higher than those seen in older age groups (NBS, World Bank, ILO, 2025). This issue is particularly pronounced in Taraba State, a rural area affected by conflict, which is marked by widespread structural obstacles such as insufficient infrastructure, low levels of ICT penetration, and economic marginalization. In response to this crisis, the Nigerian government initiated the N-Power program in 2016, aimed at providing temporary employment, vocational training, and monthly stipends to unemployed youth aged 18–35. This research investigates the direct impact of participation in the N-Power program on the economic outcomes of youth in Taraba State. Employing a cross-sectional survey design and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with a sample of 450 beneficiaries from the three senatorial districts, the study identified a statistically significant direct effect, thereby affirming the program's measurable impact. Nevertheless, the modest effect size indicates that the direct economic influence primarily operates through indirect channels. Access to resources demonstrated a slightly stronger impact than program participation alone, highlighting the critical role of resource availability. The study concludes that the direct effect primarily serves as a mechanism for consumption smoothing rather than functioning as an independent catalyst for sustainable economic empowerment. The findings emphasize the necessity of reframing program advocacy, ensuring dual reliability through consistent stipends and effective supervision, and addressing disparities in implementation. This research contributes to the existing literature by offering the first empirical assessment of the direct effect of N-Power participation on youth economic outcomes in Taraba State utilizing PLS-SEM.