FG Allocates ₦438 Billion To 34 States, Abuja To Combat Poverty

The Federal Government has disbursed over ₦438 billion to 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme to combat poverty.

Naija News reports that the Information and Communication Officer of the Federal CARES Support Unit (FCSU), Suleiman Odapu, announced this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Odapu cited Abdulkarim Obaje, the National Coordinator of the NG-CARES Programme, who explained that the funds were allocated based on the performance of the states and FCT during the third Independent Verification Agency (IVA) assessment conducted in January 2024.

According to the results, Zamfara, Nasarawa, and Plateau emerged as the top earners, receiving ₦49.2 billion, ₦27.2 billion, and ₦26.3 billion, respectively. However, Obaje noted that Kaduna and Anambra States did not submit results for verification during the assessment.

The national coordinator expressed optimism that all 36 states and the FCT would participate in the fourth IVA exercise scheduled for September 2024.

Obaje stated, “This substantial reimbursement is intended to assist state governments and the FCT in tackling the urgent challenges of multidimensional poverty.

“It will also enable them to enhance efforts in improving the livelihoods and resilience of the poor and vulnerable segments of the population.”

Obaje emphasized that the funds are targeted at social intervention programs within the states and the FCT. He expressed confidence that the resources would be used effectively to bring relief and meaningful improvements to the lives of many poor and underserved Nigerians.

He thanked the federal government, particularly the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, for the initiative and leadership that has driven the program forward.

He also praised the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as well as the governors and staff of NG-CARES nationwide for the successes achieved under the program.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the NG-CARES programme is designed to mitigate the negative impacts of socioeconomic shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also aims to address other challenges by providing grants and essential social infrastructure services in impoverished communities.

Funds are directed towards various projects, including social safety nets, food security, and support for small businesses. The statement added that efforts are being made to ensure that the assistance reaches the most indigent and vulnerable Nigerians.

Launched in 2021, the programme is set to conclude in December 2024.