Muhammad Garba
Jigawa state government has flagged off the implementation of Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus programs known as NG-CARES with approved N1.7 billion.
Speaking at the ceremony for the launching of the program held in Dutse, the state governor, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar said his government is determined to work with any collaborator and the general public in the implementation of any program that can help in mitigating the adversary effects ofCovid-19 in the state.
He noted that the economic crisis and other social challenges emanating from the aftermath of the covid-19 pandemic are enamored with multi-dimensional long-term consequences in society.
Governor Badaru who was represented by his deputy Malam Umar Namadi added that a multidimensional approach is equally required to tackle the challenges, such as NG-CARES which was Initiated by the federal government, assisted by World Bank, and implemented in partnership and collaboration with the state government.
“NG-CARES program was Initiated to address the socio-economic disruptions and hardship caused by the Covid-19 pandemic which according to World Bank the situations may contribute to the increase of extreme poverty rate in Nigeria by 10 to 15 percent by 2022.”
“The program is expected to revive and expand access to means of sustainable livelihoods, support food security services, and provide grants for poor and vulnerable households and businesses” Governor Badaru declared
In his speech the state commissioner of finance, Hon Ibrahim Babangida Umar explained that the program was designed as Performance for Result Programming which will provide grants to fund numerous projects/programs in line with the principles of Community-Driven Development.
According to him under the program, N365.8 million will be used for monthly Cash Transfers to 3, 268 beneficiaries, N410.9 Million to support Livelihood, N678.2 million for FADAMA Agricultural intervention, and N204.8 million for supporting small-scale businesses.
Hon. Babangida added that, under the agreement, if the state spent N1.7 billion on the program, World Bank will pay the bank 200 percent amounting to N3.4 billion for the continuation of the program in 2023.
