The Federal Government has released N438.37 billion as reimbursement to 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The release is under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, formerly known as Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme – a $750 million World Bank-funded project.

The gesture is part of the government’s efforts to stem the growing tides of poverty in the country, especially in poor communities.

The National Coordinator of NG-CARES, Dr Abdulkarim Obaje, who announced the release in Abuja, said the funds were disbursed based on the results achieved by the states and FCT during the third Independent Verification Agency (IVA) assessment carried out in January 2024.

From the results, Zamfara, Nasarawa and Plateau states emerged first three earning N49.18 billion, N27.2 billion and N26.31 billion respectively.

“Kaduna and Anambra states did not present results for verification during the exercise.

Obaje expressed hope that all 36 states and FCT will participate in the fourth IVA exercise scheduled for September 2024.

The reimbursement, according to him, is aimed at supporting state governments and the FCT in addressing the pressing challenges of multidimensional poverty and deepening efforts at improving the livelihoods and resilience of the vulnerable.

Obaje said these resources are expected to be targeted at social intervention programmes in the states and FCT.

He expressed confidence that the resources would be deployed generously to bring succour and meaningful improvements to the lives of many poor and underserved Nigerians.

In a statement signed by the Information and Communication Officer of Federal Cares Support Unit (FCSU), Suleiman Odapu, the National Coordinator commended the Federal Government, particularly the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, for the initiative.