NG-CARES Programme Ramps Up Support for Flood Victims Across Nigeria....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of floods across the country. The National Coordinator, Abdulkarim Obaje, made this clear on Thursday during the inauguration of the North-East Zone Peer Learning and Experience Sharing Event held in Bauchi.
Obaje emphasized the increasing occurrence of shocks, such as floods, which have devastating effects on the livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable. “Economic shocks, in recent times, have caused far-reaching consequences on the economy, basic services, smallholder farmers, and the livelihoods of the poor,” he said.
He further noted that the Nigerian government has developed structures to address such shocks using both local and international human and institutional resources. One of these key interventions is the NG-CARES programme, which is supported by the World Bank.
Expanding NG-CARES to Address Floods and Other Shocks
Originally designed to tackle the economic fallout from COVID-19, NG-CARES has expanded its scope since its restructuring in 2023 to address natural disasters, particularly floods. Obaje reminded attendees of the widespread flooding in 2019, which has since been repeated in several states.
He explained, “As we pilot support for flood victims, our goal is to build effective shock response mechanisms. The NG-CARES’ 160 delivery platforms across the country can be mobilized at any time to respond to emergencies such as floods.”
Social Support for Flood Victims
Obaje highlighted that a significant number of people displaced by floods, particularly in Borno State, have already benefitted from the NG-CARES social support initiative. He noted that the programme has surpassed expectations, reaching over 9 million beneficiaries nationwide, with results exceeding projections by 20 to 30 percent.
“The World Bank provided $735 million for this initiative, but after the third assessment, we have surpassed the $834 million mark in results,” Obaje revealed. He expressed optimism about future funding, stating that the World Bank is preparing additional documentation for $500 million in funding, which could push the programme’s total results to $1.5 billion over the next three to four years.
Federal and State Support
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, commended the Federal Government’s foresight in launching the NG-CARES programme. Represented by the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Madugu Yalams, Mohammed acknowledged the programme’s impact on food security, promotion of small businesses, and the provision of essential services and infrastructure.
He urged communities benefiting from the micro-projects to maintain them for their long-term use and for future generations.
