The Nigerian Federal Government has allocated a total of N135.4 billion to states and the Federal Capital Territory in response to the outcomes of the second Independent Assessment conducted under the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) program.
This initiative aims to combat multi-dimensional poverty and provide assistance to vulnerable citizens affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
Abdulkarim Obaje, the National Coordinator of the NG-CARES Programme, disclosed this information through a statement issued by Suleiman Odapu, the Information and Communication Officer of NG-CARES, on Sunday in Abuja.
NG-CARES is a collaborative effort between the World Bank and Nigerian states, covering all 36 states and the FCT.
The program’s primary objective is to alleviate the economic and social challenges faced by the less privileged Nigerians during the lockdown imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The project operates on a Programme for Results structure, reimbursing states and the FCT for their expenditures when they adhere to the prescribed guidelines outlined in the Financing Agreement, Funds Release Policy, and Independent Verification Agent Protocol.
Obaje clarified that the disbursement of funds was contingent on the achievements of the states and the FCT in their endeavors to support impoverished and vulnerable citizens under the NG-CARES program while simultaneously addressing multi-dimensional poverty in the nation.
According to the statement, the top three states that performed exceptionally well in the Second Round of Assessment are Nasarawa, receiving N13,697,828,496.96, Cross River with N10,944,747,818.84, and Zamfara securing N10,231,055,267.82.
Obaje expressed gratitude to Atiku Bagudu, the Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, for his steadfast support in coordinating the implementation of the NG-CARES program nationwide.
Additionally, he commended state governors, the FCT Minister, and the World Bank for their collaborative efforts in providing essential support for the initiative. #COVID-19 (PUNCH)