FG vows to support states, FCT bolster food security, basic services

Dr Abdulkarim Obaje, National Coordinator, Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme says the Federal Government will assist the states in tackling poverty, addressing basic infrastructural deficit, food security and support to small and nano businesses.

Obaje made the declaration on Wednesday in Jalingo during a courtesy visit to Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba.

He said,” If the states and FCT fully support the implementation of NG-CARES, it will expand access to livelihood support and food security services and grants for vulnerable households and firms in the country.

“The NG-CARES is a Performance for Results (PforR) programme where states and FCT get reimbursed for funding developments according to agreed protocols.

”The reimbursement is based on earned results which translates into a corresponding amount much higher than what the sub-national invested.”

According to the national coordinator, Taraba had a draw-down of only $3.98 million out of the nominal allocation of $20 million to each state since the commencement of the programme.

”With more support from the state government, the state delivery platforms will perform better, earn more results and funds for the state,” Obaje said.

Responding, Kefas pledged the state government’s commitment to fully support the implementation of the NG-CARES Programme in the state.

He charged the implementation departments and agencies of the programme to work harder and according to the guidelines of the Implementation Manual to earn better results for the state.