The Federal Government has disbursed over N438 billion to 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme. This significant financial intervention aims to bolster efforts in addressing multidimensional poverty and enhancing the livelihoods of vulnerable populations.
Suleiman Odapu, the Information and Communication Officer of the Federal CARES Support Unit, announced this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja. According to Odapu, the funds were allocated based on the achievements of states and the FCT during the third Independent Verification Agency (IVA) assessment conducted in January 2024.
Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje, the National Coordinator of NG-CARES, provided further details on the disbursement. He revealed that Zamfara, Nasarawa, and Plateau states emerged as the top three earners, receiving N49 billion, N27 billion, and N26 billion, respectively. However, Kaduna and Anambra States did not present their results for verification during this assessment period.
Dr. Obaje emphasized that the substantial reimbursement is designed to support state governments and the FCT in tackling the pervasive challenges of multidimensional poverty. He highlighted the importance of these funds in enhancing efforts to improve the livelihoods and resilience of the poor and vulnerable segments of the population.
“This significant reimbursement is aimed at supporting state governments and the FCT in addressing the pressing challenges of multidimensional poverty,” Obaje stated. “It will also enable them to deepen efforts at improving the livelihoods and resilience of the poor and vulnerable segment of the population.”
The resources provided through NG-CARES are directed towards various social intervention programmes within the states and the FCT. Dr. Obaje expressed confidence that these resources would be used effectively to bring relief and meaningful improvement to the lives of many poor and underserved Nigerians.
He also extended gratitude to the federal government, particularly Senator Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, for the initiative and leadership that have driven the programme’s success. Obaje commended the collaborative efforts of state governors, the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, and the staff of NG-CARES nationwide for their contributions to the programme’s achievements.
Launched in 2021, the NG-CARES programme was created to mitigate the adverse effects of the socioeconomic shocks induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. It also aims to address other shocks by providing grants and basic social infrastructure services in impoverished communities. The funds are allocated to various projects, including social safety nets, food security, and small business support, with a strong focus on ensuring that assistance reaches the most indigent and vulnerable Nigerians.
“The programme is designed to mitigate the negative impact of the socioeconomic shocks occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Obaje explained. “It also aims to address other shocks through the provision of grants and basic social infrastructure services in poor communities.”
As NG-CARES progresses, Dr. Obaje expressed hope that all 36 states and the FCT would participate in the fourth IVA exercise scheduled for September 2024. This continued participation is vital for ensuring that the programme’s benefits are widely distributed and its impact maximized.
The NG-CARES programme is set to conclude by December 2024, marking the end of a concerted effort to uplift Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations and strengthen the resilience of communities across the nation. As the programme nears its end, the focus remains on effective deployment of resources and sustaining the positive outcomes achieved so far.
