The World Bank has reimbursed Nigerian states $695 million for projects carried out under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, while state governments have themselves invested a massive $2.2 billion, more than double the bank’s contribution.
This funding milestone was announced at a two-day national retreat in Katsina where lawmakers, World Bank officials and development partners gathered to chart a legislative and financial path for sustaining NG-CARES beyond its December 2025 phase-one deadline.
National coordinator Abdulkaarim Obaje disclosed this in an interview with journalists, explaining that the states’ heavy investment proves the programme’s deep local ownership.
“The World Bank may have reimbursed $695 million, but states have committed over $2.2 billion. That shows the programme is truly Nigerian and must be institutionalised so more funding reaches the poor and vulnerable,” he said.
The retreat, championed by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and House Committee Chair Hon. Yahya Kusada, is working on a legislative framework to make NG-CARES a permanent poverty-alleviation vehicle.
Launched in June 2020 under the Economic Sustainability Plan of former President Muhammadu Buhari, NG-CARES channels resources into healthcare, potable water, schools, and environmental management in underserved rural areas.
