In a significant move to combat poverty and bolster economic resilience, the Federal Government of Nigeria 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 information was revealed by Malam Suleiman Odapu, the Information and Communication Officer of the Federal CARES Support Unit (FCSU), in a press statement.
The disbursements were based on the outcomes of the third Independent Verification Agency (IVA) assessment conducted in January 2024.
The assessment aimed to evaluate the performance of states and the FCT in implementing the NG-CARES initiatives, which are designed to alleviate poverty and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable populations.
Among the beneficiaries, Zamfara, Nasarawa, and Plateau states received the highest allocations, with N49.18 billion, N27.20 billion, and N26.31 billion respectively. However, Kaduna and Anambra States did not present results for verification during this exercise.
Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje, the National Coordinator of the NG-CARES Programme, expressed optimism that all 36 states and the FCT would participate in the forthcoming fourth IVA assessment scheduled for September 2024.
He emphasized that the substantial reimbursements are crucial for supporting state governments and the FCT in addressing the urgent challenges of poverty and enhancing the resilience of the poor and vulnerable segments of the population.
READ ALSO: FG’s Plan to Install 186 Meters at Flow Stations Sparks Need for Clarification
Initiated in 2021, the NG-CARES programme was established to mitigate the adverse socioeconomic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and address other economic shocks.
The programme provides grants and essential social infrastructure services in impoverished communities, with funds allocated to various projects including social safety nets, food security, and support for small businesses.
Other states also benefited from the disbursement, with Cross River receiving N20.67 billion, Rivers N19.52 billion, and Niger N17.77 billion.
Additional allocations include Adamawa with N17.54 billion, Katsina N15.46 billion, Imo N15.41 billion, and Sokoto N14.18 billion. The FCT received N6.77 billion, while Ebonyi, Enugu, Kano, and Oyo received N6.26 billion, N6.19 billion, N6.15 billion, and N5.97 billion respectively.
Dr. Obaje expressed confidence that these resources would be judiciously utilized to provide meaningful improvements in the lives of many underserved Nigerians.
The NG-CARES programme is scheduled to conclude in December 2024, with the ongoing assessments ensuring accountability and effective use of the funds.