The Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) initiative has reached over nine million Nigerians, according to its National Coordinator, Abdulkarim Obaje. He made this announcement during the fifth Zonal Peer Learning and Experience Sharing Event held in Akure.
Obaje highlighted the transformative impact of NG-CARES, emphasizing its role in alleviating poverty and supporting vulnerable communities across the country. “The number of beneficiaries is well over nine million. NG-CARES is committed to helping both state and federal governments in the fight against poverty in Nigeria,” he said. He added that the program has been expanded to include more vulnerable groups, leading to significant success.
One of the key indicators of its success, Obaje noted, is the growing demand for additional funding from state governors. “State governors have requested additional financing from the World Bank through the federal government, which has been approved to the tune of $500 million,” he explained.
As part of their ongoing efforts, NG-CARES is conducting zonal engagements, interacting directly with beneficiaries to gather feedback. “Many beneficiaries have shared testimonies about how the NG-CARES initiative has positively impacted their lives,” Obaje said. He also emphasized that the purpose of the peer learning event was to facilitate the sharing of experiences and best practices.
Commending the efforts of state governments, Obaje revealed that over N150 billion has been invested in the program.
Lire Ersado, the World Bank’s NG-CARES task team leader, further emphasized the significant investment and outcomes of the initiative. According to him, the World Bank has contributed $750 million to NG-CARES, and the program has significantly improved the livelihoods of many Nigerians. “The first phase of the program, set to conclude in December, is expected to benefit 30 million people both directly and indirectly,” Ersado stated. He also highlighted the program’s support for farmers, which has led to increased agricultural productivity.
Looking ahead, Ersado announced that the second phase of NG-CARES will receive an additional $500 million in funding from the World Bank. He assured that the program is designed to be resilient to political interference, ensuring that the benefits reach those in need.
Ondo State’s Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Emmanuel Igbasan, praised the program’s success, stating that NG-CARES has outperformed other World Bank-supported initiatives in Nigeria. However, he urged stakeholders to build on this momentum. “Despite the successes recorded, there is a need to elevate the program further. The federal government and the Nigeria Governors Forum must continue to collaborate with the World Bank to ensure the sustainability of NG-CARES,” Igbasan said.
