Niger State Government says it is fully committed to the ideals of the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme.
The governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago stated this during the Zonal Peer Learning and experience sharing event, organised by NG-CARES, to deliberate on best ways to address challenges faced, at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna.
The Chairman, Federal CARES Technical Committee, Mrs. Elizabeth Egharevba, said the agency over the years has been helpful in reaching out to the vulnerable people.
Egharevba, who was represented by the National Coordinator NG-CARES Programme, Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje, disclosed that $750 million was allocated for the NG-CARES Programme between 2021 and 2024 across the 36 states with $645 million expended so far under the programme for result which includes, social safety net, livelihood grants, and basic services support.
According to Obaje, the NG-CARES programme aimed at improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, has performed optimally and had been adjudged to be one of the best World Bank assisted programmes in the country with over nine million Nigerians benefitting directly.
Obaje lauded the efforts of the Niger State government as the state comes top in terms of earnings in the North Central, while also disclosing that approval has been granted for the programme to be extended to upscale the number of beneficiaries
Earlier, Governor Bago represented by the acting Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, noted that the state has re-invested the earnings from the last Independent Verification Agents (IVA) on social security in the current cycle, adding that the NG-CARES Project is in line with the New Niger Agenda.
He added that as leaders and stakeholders, it is imperative to learn from experiences, share knowledge, and formulate resilient strategies that will address the immediate needs of the people with a view to laying a foundation for a robust economic recovery.
Highlights of the event was the symbolic presentation of cheques to some beneficiaries under the livelihood support, Result Area One project.
