The National Assembly has reaffirmed its strong support for the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme, describing it as a lifeline for poor communities and a vital instrument for building resilience among vulnerable Nigerians.
Chairman, House Committee on NG-CARES, Hon. Abubakar Yahaya Kusada, restated this commitment in Abuja during one of the Stakeholders’ meetings convened to validate the Generic Operations Manual in preparation for the rollout of NG-CARES 2.0
Hon. Kusada reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to supporting NG-CARES, emphasising that oversight visits to states will be an integral part of the partnership between the Legislature and the Executive to deliver on poverty alleviation.
He emphasised that “no community should be left out” in the ongoing efforts to cushion vulnerable households and businesses from economic shocks.
He said, “NG-CARES is more than a programme, it is a lifeline. It is about families regaining their dignity, businesses reopening doors of opportunity and rebuilding communities for a sustainable future.
“NG-CARES stands as one of the most ambitious and people-focused initiatives, reaching households, businesses, and communities across the 36 states and the FCT.”
Prof. Foluso Okunmadewa, who represented the World Bank at the meeting, commended the legislature’s involvement, noting that it is an encouraging sign of ownership and sustainability.
“The legislature’s active participation gives confidence that NG-CARES will endure as a national instrument for poverty alleviation and resilience, even beyond donor support,” he stated.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of NG-CARES, Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje, expressed appreciation to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for establishing the Committee on NG-CARES.
He noted that this step complements the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which emphasises inclusive growth and development, especially for the poor and vulnerable.
A statement signed by the Information and Communication Officer, NG-CARES, Suleiman Odapu, said the meeting had in attendance Commissioners of Budget and Planning from Cross River, Kebbi, Sokoto, Gombe, Ebonyi, Bauchl and Nasarawa States and the Commissioner of Finance for Plateau. Others were Heads of the State CARES Coordinating Units, Heads, Delivery Platforms and other Programme Staff under the NG-CARES Programme
The NG-CARES Programme is a World Bank-assisted Programme designed to expand access to livelihood support and food security, as well as grants for poor and vulnerable households, farmers and small businesses affected by shocks. Implemented across the 36 states and the FCT, the programme leverages existing government structures to deliver results for communities in need.
Since its inception, NG-CARES has recorded over 17 million direct beneficiaries, positioning itself as one of Nigerta’s most ambitious and people-focused social protection and economic recovery and resilience programmes.
