FG restates commitment to restore livelihood of poor, vulnerable

even if it has only a few weeks to hand over to a new administration.

The minister explained that NG-CARES programme was one of the policy options explored by the Buhari administration to achieve the objectives of restoring the livelihood of the poor and vulnerable.

According to him, in about a year of full implementation, NGCARES has impacted over two million direct beneficiaries.

“This is based on the report of the first round of assessment of the NG-CARES programme implementation conducted by an Independent Verification Agent.”

The minister said that one of President Buhari’s strategies was to intermittently meet with, and engage stakeholders, as part of government’s accountability to the citizens.

“The purpose basically is to hear, first-hand, views of our people on government policies and programme and to feel the pulse of the nation.

“This interaction is even more imperative, given the fact that NGCARES programme draws some of its beneficiaries from the National Social Register.

“It is important to find out from you how effective this approach is as we seek the consolidation of the National Social Register as a major source of credible data for social protection intervention in the country.”

Earlier, the Chairman, Federal Cares Technical Committee of NG-CARES, Mr Aso Vakporaye, commended the governors of Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states for releasing funds to support the implementation of NG-CARES.

Represented by Alhaji Mustapha Alkali, member, Federal Cares Technical Committee, Vakporaye, also appreciated the funding support of the World Bank and the task team that has tenaciously Supported the initiative.

“We are proud to say that the programme has recorded tangible results and has positively affected so many poor and vulnerable Nigerians affected by the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”