James Emejo in Abuja
The Federal Government has approved the reimbursement of N45. 3 billion to the States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the implementation of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG CARES) programme.
The national coordinator of the program, Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje, said the budget was released last Thursday, based on the effects achieved by the state and FCT after rigorous verification work by an independent consultant.
He said that to facilitate the smooth start of the program, the government paid a one-time reimbursable advance of N35. 3 billion to the 36 states and the FCT in March 2022.
He added that the beneficiaries, in less than a year, produced effects valued at N77. 2 billion and impacted more than two million direct beneficiaries.
In a statement through the Chief of Information and Communication, NG-CARES, Suleiman Odapu, National Coordinator, under pressure that in view of the effects achieved through the States and the FCT, significant progress has been made towards achieving the goals and targets set through the NG-CARES Program.
He said: “Last week, the federal government on Thursday reimbursed the 29 states and the FCT the N45. 3 billion song after the single breakthrough was recovered. The 3 most productive states in this reimbursement circular are Zamfara State with N5,273,150,000. 00 Bauchi State N4,232,200,000. 00 and Ondo State N3,838,233,411. 00. This is a vital step in poverty alleviation efforts in the country.
Obaje, however, the states to use the released budget in accordance with the investment agreement and the policy of releasing funds that they have all signed.
He also commended key stakeholders in the program, adding Minister of State, Budget and National Planning Prince Clem Agba for offering the leadership at the federal point to coordinate implementation at state and FCT points, state governors and the world. Bank for offering loans and technical support.
The NG-CARES program is a federal initiative supported by the World Bank and is implemented in all 36 states and FCT.
The programme aims to expand access to livelihoods and food security and subsidies for poor and vulnerable families and businesses.
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