In a significant move, the federal government has officially launched the Federal Cares Steering Committee (FCSC) dedicated to overseeing the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) program.
The inauguration, led by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, took place in Abuja.
Sen. Bagudu urged committee members to collaborate seamlessly, emphasizing the importance of effective teamwork in the successful execution of the NG-CARES initiative. He also underscored the need to ensure the timely disbursement of any remaining funds.
The NG-CARES program, as explained by Mr. Abdulkarim Obaje, the National Coordinator, is a multi-sectoral effort designed to provide immediate relief to vulnerable segments of the population, including the impoverished, smallholder farmers, and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The primary objective of the program, according to Obaje, is to safeguard the livelihoods and food security of poor and vulnerable families. It also aims to facilitate the recovery of local economic activities in all participating states across the country.
Obaje highlighted that the NG-CARES intervention extends beyond the repercussions of the pandemic, encompassing issues such as flooding, natural disasters, and the impact of economic policies that could potentially trigger social unrest and exacerbate poverty among the less privileged.
Originally conceived as a three-year initiative, the NG-CARES program underwent restructuring in May 2023 due to a delayed commencement of implementation across the states. Consequently, the timeline was extended by 12 months, with a revised closing date of June 30.
Commending the program’s progress, Mr. Lire Ersado, the World Bank Representative, acknowledged its alignment with the federal government’s agenda.
He described NG-CARES as a flexible and multi-sectoral initiative addressing the diverse needs of Nigeria. Ersado assured continued support from the World Bank, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to the success of the program.
