Abstract
This study examined the effect of N-Power youth empowerment programme on socio-economic development of Nigeria. Specifically, the paper appraised the extent to which the N-Power Programme has improved the living standard of Nigerian Youths, assessed the extent to which the N-Power programme has reduced unemployment rate and to investigate the extent to which the N-power
programme has contributed to increase in Gross Domestic Product of the country. The research adopted the Jean-Jacques Reusseau “Social Contract Theory' (Propounded in 1762) as its theoretical model of analysis for linking the conjectures of youth empowerment and socio-economic development amid other duties government owe the citizens. Findings revealed that the programme has helped many unemployed young Nigerians across the country with sustenance stipends. But in terms of socio-economic development of the country; it has not significantly encouraged increase in the living standard of the youths, it has not significant reduce the unemployment rate because the youths have been unable to develop the skills, knowledge, technology and adaptability to enable to enter and remain in employment throughout their working lives. For GDP, the effect has not been appreciably felt by the nation as its GDP has not increased. The study summed up that the N-Power programme introduced by the Federal Government as a social safety net to reduce the rate of youths unemployment plaguing the country, is 'a right step', but in the 'wrong direction' as Nigerian youths are still confronted with problems of poor living standard, increase unemployment rate. The study therefore recommended amongst others that the N-Power programme should be sustained and continued but with proper implementation of transition process to permanent job options. This can be achieved through a performance grading system that would not only motivate the N-Power volunteers to sit-up during the programme, but also would meritoriously link up graduates exiting from the scheme to corresponding organizations (both in the public and private sectors); also provide grants/loans to enable them start and maintain business that will also employ others as this will go a along way in contributing to economic development of the country.