"Kebbi to Sustain NG-CARES Programme, Says Governor Nasir"

By Umar Faruk

Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria - August 26, 2025(Series News Online)

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, has reiterated his administration's unwavering dedication to the NG-CARES Programme, leveraging its localized version, Kaura CARES, to cement the state's status as a top performer nationwide. This renewed commitment underscores the state's resolve to build on its achievements and further enhance the well-being of its citizens.

During the North-West Zonal Stakeholders' Consultative Meeting held in Birnin Kebbi, Governor Idris emphasized the programme's pivotal role in mitigating the socio-economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. "The NG-CARES initiative has yielded remarkable results," he declared, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Economic Council in securing additional funding from the World Bank to bolster the programme's second phase, anchored on economic resilience.

The Governor lauded the Federal NG-CARES team, led by Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, and supported by the Federal Technical Committee and National Coordinator, Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje, for their exemplary stewardship in delivering Phase 1 of the programme. He also commended the North-West states, particularly Kebbi and Zamfara, for their outstanding performance in four independent verification rounds.

"Our administration remains resolute in its support for NG-CARES through Kaura CARES. Notably, Kebbi State has become the first subnational government to disburse ₦100,000 each to 65,000 beneficiaries. The symbiotic relationship between Kebbi and CARES is undeniable," he stated.

Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje, National Coordinator of NG-CARES, underscored the programme's strategic importance as a Federal Government initiative, backed by the World Bank, aimed at cushioning the socio-economic impact of the pandemic and fostering grassroots economic growth. "The imperative of transparency, accountability, and rigorous verification mechanisms in ensuring the programme's effectiveness cannot be overstated," he emphasized.

Professor Sulaiman Yusuf, World Bank representative, praised Governor Idris for Kebbi's exceptional performance, which informed the decision to host the meeting in the state. "We encourage stakeholders to maintain the momentum in tackling poverty and promoting economic resilience," he urged.

Dr. Abba Sani Kalgo, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, credited Kebbi's top ranking to the Governor's unwavering support, citing impactful interventions such as cash transfers, agricultural input distribution, and community-led micro-projects. "We reiterate Kebbi's readiness to embark on Phase 2 with unrelenting enthusiasm and dedication," he declared.

The meeting served as a platform for key stakeholders from North-West states, the Federal Government, World Bank, and development partners to review the successes of Phase 1 and chart a strategic course for the next phase of the NG-CARES programme.