NG-CARES: FG distributes over N438bn to 34 States, FCT
By Esther Agbo
The Federal Government has distributed more than N438 billion to 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme.
The Information and Communication Officer at the Federal CARES Support Unit (FCSU),Malam Suleiman Odapu, announced that the allocations were based on the third Independent Verification Agency (IVA) assessment conducted in January 2024.
This funding is intended to support state governments and the FCT in addressing poverty and improving the living conditions of vulnerable populations.
The assessment revealed that Zamfara, Nasarawa, and Plateau states received the largest allocations—N49.18 billion, N27.20 billion, and N26.31 billion, respectively. Kaduna and Anambra states did not submit results for verification during this assessment.
The National Coordinator of the NG-CARES Programme, Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje, expressed optimism that all states and the FCT will take part in the upcoming fourth IVA assessment scheduled for September 2024.
The NG-CARES Programme was established to alleviate the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and to address other economic challenges by providing grants and essential social infrastructure in impoverished communities. The programme, launched in 2021, is set to conclude in December 2024.
Dr. Obaje said, “The substantial reimbursement will support state governments and the FCT in tackling the urgent challenges of poverty. It will also enhance efforts to improve the livelihoods and resilience of the poor and vulnerable segments of the population.”
Other states also received funds from the disbursement. Cross River received N20.67 billion, Rivers N19.52 billion, and Niger N17.77 billion. Adamawa was given N17.54 billion, Katsina N15.46 billion, Imo N15.41 billion, and Sokoto N14.18 billion. Ondo received N13.93 billion, Delta N13.27 billion, Abia N12.18 billion, and Bayelsa N10.83 billion. Yobe was allocated N10.17 billion, Kwara N9.92 billion, and Osun N9.56 billion.
Additional allocations were made to Bauchi with N7.30 billion, Kogi with N6.90 billion, and the FCT with N6.77 billion. Ebonyi received N6.26 billion, Enugu N6.19 billion, Kano N6.15 billion, and Oyo N5.97 billion. Borno was allocated N5.90 billion, Jigawa N5.77 billion, Lagos N5.57 billion, and Taraba N5.51 billion. Ekiti received N5.51 billion, Edo N5.12 billion, Benue N4.91 billion, Akwa Ibom N2.43 billion, and Ogun N2.13 billion.
Dr. Obaje emphasised that these funds will be used for social intervention programs aimed at significantly improving the lives of underserved Nigerians.
