The Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) program has pledged to provide comprehensive support for victims affected by recent flooding across the nation. This commitment was articulated by the National Coordinator of the program, Abdulkarim Obaje, during the inauguration of a two-day Peer Learning and Experience Sharing Event held in Bauchi for the North-East Zone.
In his opening remarks, Obaje underscored the reality of economic shocks, which can have devastating impacts on the livelihoods of vulnerable populations. He pointed out that various economic shocks have been increasingly prevalent, resulting in significant consequences for the economy, essential services, smallholder farmers, and the overall well-being of impoverished households and businesses.
Obaje elaborated on the Nigerian government’s efforts to address these challenges by leveraging both local and international human and institutional resources. “The NG-CARES Program is a vital part of this response and is supported by the World Bank,” he stated. He highlighted that the program had evolved since its inception; during its restructuring in 2023, it expanded its focus from merely addressing the impacts of COVID-19 to also include responses to flooding.
Reflecting on the history of flooding in Nigeria, Obaje recalled the significant flood events at the end of 2019, which have since recurred in various states. “Our intention is to not only provide immediate support for these floods but also to develop robust mechanisms for responding to such shocks in the future. The NG-CARES initiative has established 160 delivery platforms nationwide that can be activated whenever there are pressing issues related to flooding,” he added.
Obaje noted that a substantial number of individuals displaced by floods, particularly in Borno State, have benefited from the social support initiatives provided by NG-CARES. He emphasized the program’s reach, stating, “We currently have over 9 million beneficiaries across the country, and we have exceeded our targets by 20 to 30 percent. Initially funded with $735 million from the World Bank, our assessments have shown that we have already surpassed results worth $834 million.”
Furthermore, he revealed that with an anticipated additional funding of $500 million, the program aims to achieve results amounting to $1.5 billion by the time the implementation concludes in the next three to four years. He also mentioned that the World Bank is in the process of preparing documentation for this additional funding at the request of the federal government.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Madugu Yalams, expressed gratitude to the federal government for its foresight in establishing the NG-CARES program. He urged participants to remain committed and dedicated throughout the program’s implementation. “The impact of the NG-CARES program in facilitating access to food security, promoting small businesses, enhancing ICT capabilities, and improving basic services and infrastructure cannot be overstated,” he remarked.
Governor Mohammed further appealed to beneficiaries and the communities involved in the micro-projects to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives for their benefit and for future generations.
The NG-CARES program’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by flooding and other economic shocks reflects a proactive approach to enhancing resilience and supporting vulnerable populations in Nigeria. As the country grapples with the ongoing effects of climate-related disasters and economic instability, initiatives like NG-CARES are critical in providing the necessary support to those most affected.