FG Allocates Over N438-Billion To 34 States And FCT Under Economic Stimulus-Programme

FG Allocates Over N438-Billion To 34 States And FCT Under Economic Stimulus-Programme

The Federal Government has allocated over N438 billion to 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) through the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme.

Malam Suleiman Odapu, the Information and Communication Officer of the Federal CARES Support Unit (FCSU), revealed in a press statement that these disbursements were based on the results from the third Independent Verification Agency (IVA) assessment carried out in January 2024.

This significant funding is intended to support state governments and the FCT in addressing poverty and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable populations.

Major Beneficiaries

The assessment highlighted that Zamfara, Nasarawa, and Plateau states received the largest shares, with N49.18 billion, N27.20 billion, and N26.31 billion, respectively. However, Kaduna and Anambra states did not provide results for verification during this assessment.

Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje, the National Coordinator of the NG-CARES Programme, expressed optimism that all 36 states and the FCT would participate in the upcoming fourth IVA assessment scheduled for September 2024.

Programme Objectives

Launched in 2021 and set to conclude in December 2024, the NG-CARES programme was established to mitigate the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and address other economic shocks. It provides grants and essential social infrastructure services to impoverished communities.

The funds are allocated to various initiatives including social safety nets, food security, and support for small businesses, ensuring aid reaches the most disadvantaged Nigerians.

Allocation Details

Other states receiving funds include:

Cross River: N20.67 billion
Rivers: N19.52 billion
Niger: N17.77 billion
Adamawa: N17.54 billion
Katsina: N15.46 billion
Imo: N15.41 billion
Sokoto: N14.18 billion
Ondo: N13.93 billion
Delta: N13.27 billion
Abia: N12.18 billion
Bayelsa: N10.83 billion
Yobe: N10.17 billion
Kwara: N9.92 billion
Osun: N9.56 billion
Bauchi: N7.30 billion
Kogi: N6.90 billion
FCT: N6.77 billion
Ebonyi: N6.26 billion
Enugu: N6.19 billion
Kano: N6.15 billion
Oyo: N5.97 billion
Borno: N5.90 billion
Jigawa: N5.77 billion
Lagos: N5.57 billion
Taraba: N5.51 billion
Ekiti: N5.51 billion
Edo: N5.12 billion
Benue: N4.91 billion
Akwa Ibom: N2.43 billion
Ogun: N2.13 billion

Dr. Obaje emphasized that this funding will be used for social intervention programs aimed at significantly improving the lives of underserved Nigerians, and expressed confidence in the effective use of these resources to benefit the poor.