Objective: The objective of this research is to assess the extent to which the N-power programme empowers the Nigerian youth in terms of improved capacity to secure a job, live a decent life, and strong disposable income. Theoretical Framework: This research foundation is based on an integrated framework that draws from three related perspectives: human capital theory, social protection theory, and the capability approach. These theories together offer a strong analytical lens for understanding Nigeria’s N-Power programme as a youth empowerment initiative, including its role, effectiveness, and limitations. Collectively, these three theories give a comprehensive view of youth empowerment. Human capital theory assesses whether N-Power develops relevant, marketable skills; social protection looks at its role in reducing unemployment and poverty; and the capability approach considers whether it broadens young people’s freedoms and choices. Using this framework, the study goes beyond simple output metrics to critically evaluate if N-Power tackles the underlying causes of youth marginalization or just offers temporary relief. Method: Using a desk review methodology, it synthesises theoretical and empirical evidence from academic, policy, and institutional sources to evaluate the programme’s design, implementation, and impact. Results and Discussion: Findings reveal that while N-Power has expanded access to temporary employment, skills training, and public services, its impact remains constrained by short-term tenure, weak labour market alignment, and the absence of post-programme integration. Theoretical analysis grounded in human capital theory, social protection, and the capability approach shows that the programme activates youth but does not empower them with lasting economic opportunities. Based on the evidence reviewed, the answer is clear: N-Power is largely a symptom-relief intervention, not a root-cause solution. While it has provided temporary income, improved public service delivery, and built basic skills, it fails to offer sustainable employment, entrepreneurial support, or long-term economic inclusion. Policy Implications: The study concludes that without structural reforms and graduation pathways, N-Power remains a palliative intervention rather than a transformative employment strategy. Given this, training should be aligned with labor market needs, particularly in digital skills, renewable energy, and creative industries. Extend the programme with a graduation phase that includes seed funding, business development services, and access to credit. To harness this potential, policies like N-Power must shift from short-term palliatives to long-term investments in human capital, agency, and structural opportunity. Originality/Value: This research is not only original, it has strong potential and value typified by how it expands knowledge on some of the critical functional areas of the N-power programme that need adjustment, improvement, and total overhauling. Its value lies in the way it provided adequate information and deepen knowledge on how N-power empowers Nigerian youth.
Afolabi et al. (Tue,) studied this question.