The Federal Government of Nigeria has disbursed over ₦438 billion in reimbursements to 34 states and Abuja under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme.
This information was disclosed in a statement by Suleiman Odapu, spokesman for the Federal CARES Support Unit (FCSU), on Tuesday.
Abdulkarim Obaje, the national coordinator of the NG-CARES Programme, explained that the funds were allocated based on the results achieved by the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the third Independent Verification Agency (IVA) assessment conducted in January 2024.
According to Obaje, Zamfara, Nasarawa, and Plateau states topped the list of beneficiaries, receiving ₦49.18 billion, ₦27.20 billion, and ₦26.31 billion respectively. However, Kaduna and Anambra did not present results for verification during this exercise.
Obaje expressed hope that all 36 states and Abuja would participate in the fourth IVA exercise scheduled for September 2024. He highlighted that this significant reimbursement is intended to help state governments and the FCT address the pressing challenges of multidimensional poverty, thereby enhancing the livelihoods and resilience of poor and vulnerable populations.
He noted that the funds are specifically aimed at supporting social intervention programmes in the states and Abuja. Obaje expressed confidence that these resources would be used effectively to bring substantial improvements to the lives of many impoverished and underserved Nigerians.
The NG-CARES programme, launched in 2021, was designed to mitigate the negative impacts of socioeconomic shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises. It provides grants and essential social infrastructure services in poor communities. The allocated funds are directed towards various projects, including social safety nets, food security, and small business support, with efforts being made to ensure the assistance reaches the most indigent and vulnerable Nigerians.
The programme is scheduled to conclude in December 2024.
(NAN)
