Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje, the National Coordinator of the Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme, has affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to aiding states in addressing poverty, infrastructural deficits, and promoting food security, along with supporting small and nano businesses.
The declaration was made on Wednesday in Jalingo during a courtesy visit to Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba. Obaje emphasized that full support from states and the FCT in implementing NG-CARES would enhance access to livelihood support, food security services, and grants for vulnerable households and businesses across the country.
NG-CARES operates as a Performance for Results (PforR) program, wherein states and the FCT receive reimbursements for developmental funds according to agreed protocols. Obaje highlighted that the reimbursement is linked to earned results, translating into a substantially higher amount than the initial investment made by the sub-national entities.
The national coordinator noted that Taraba had drawn down only $3.98 million out of the nominal allocation of $20 million per state since the program’s commencement. He emphasized that with increased support from the state government, Taraba’s delivery platforms could achieve better results, thereby securing more funds for the state.
Governor Kefas, in response, pledged the state government’s full commitment to supporting the implementation of the NG-CARES Programme in Taraba. He urged the implementation departments and agencies to adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Implementation Manual, ensuring better results for the state.”