ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, says the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme is a remarkable support mechanism for states and the FCT.
Bagudu stated this at a one-day Public Lecture entitled, ” Social Protection in Nigeria: the journey so far,”on Wednesday in Abuja.
It was organised by the Federal Cares Support Unit of the NG-CARES.
He said the programme delivery mechanism could work for other programmes, adding that it could be expanded in the sharing of resources among the three tiers of government.
” We will all agree that the NG-CARES programme has been a remarkable support mechanism for 36 states of the federation, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
” That is the recognition thing that humanity is one. A global challenge that affects all of us needs global support.
” The world bank has done well and the Nigerian team have done very well,” Bagudu said.
” This event is taken place at a very important point in our national life when President Bola Tinubu, a few weeks ago directed the review of the National Social Protection Scheme,”he said.
The minister said the Federal Government had put more money in the 2024 budget in areas where it would transit people more out of poverty.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of NG-CARES, Dr Abdulkarim Obaje, said President Bola Tinubu administration placed a lot of emphasis on care and vulnerable in the country.
” The purpose of this lecture is to do a recap of how we have come so far and see what are the trajectories for us to do even more for the poor and vulnerable.
” As we all recalled COVID-19 gave birth to the NG-CARES, but today we are confronted with more challenges that requires immediate interventions of the government at all levels.”
Dr Lire Ersado, Co Task Team Leader, NG-CARES programme, said social protection has a lot to offer to curb food insecurity, climate change and support Small Scale and Medium Enterprises.
The guest lecturer, Prof. Suleiman Yusuf, emphasised on the need for the National Assembly to ensure the speedy passage of the Social Protection Bill into law.
He also recommended the upgrading of the NG-CARES to adaptive shock responsive platform, regular updating and upscaling of the social register.
Yusuf urged government to ensure the sustainability of the social protection programme and strengthening of its features. (NAN)
