The federal government programme through the COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus, NG-CARES, has record over two million beneficiaries.
Minister of state for budget and national planning, Clem Agba, stated this in Sokoto State, during the maiden ministerial town hall meeting for NG-CARES beneficiaries in Sokoto Kebbi and Zamfara States.
Represented by the chairman of NG-CARES Technical Committee, Mr Aso Vakporaye, the minister said part of the current administration is to intermittently meet with, and engage stakeholders as part of government’s accountability to the states.
He said the purpose of the meeting was to basically hear the first hand views of the beneficiary people on government policies and programmes as well as to feel the pulse of nation.
“This interaction is even more imperative given the fact that NG-CARES programme draw some of its beneficiaries from the National Social Register.
“It is important to enquire from you how effective is this approach as we seek the consolidation of the National Social Register as a major source of credible data for social protection in the country.
“The government of Nigeria will listen to you and let me assure you that your views and contributions will be invaluable in our effort to build a socially inclusive nation. We would not rest on our oars in reaching out to Nigerians.”
Earlier in his remarks, the chairman NG-CARES technical committee represented by Mustapha Alkali, said the programme has recorded tangible results and has positively affected so many poor and vulnerable Nigerians affected by COVID-19 pandemic and other shocks across the country.
Highlights of the event was testimonies by some of the beneficiaries across the three states in the zone.
