The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has pledged to ensure the transparent and effective utilisation of funds under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme, amid lingering allegations of misappropriation and delays in fund disbursement in some states.
The commitment followed the World Bank’s confirmation of additional financing for the programme, which it said has recorded measurable success in supporting vulnerable households, farmers, and small businesses nationwide.
The development was announced at the end of the NGF’s seventh meeting of 2025, held at its secretariat on Lake Chad Street, Abuja, from Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
In a communiqué signed by the NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and read by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, the Forum said the fresh funding would expand the programme’s impact across states.
“The Forum received confirmation from the World Bank on the effectiveness of the additional financing for the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme,” the communiqué stated.
“This enables continued disbursement to states to support livelihoods, food security, public works, and resilience-building initiatives. Governors reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining implementation momentum, ensuring timely reporting, and maximising fund utilisation to deliver measurable outcomes for vulnerable households.”
Formerly known as the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus, NG-CARES is a World Bank–supported Federal Government intervention designed to provide grants, livelihood support, and food assistance to poor and vulnerable households, farmers, and micro-enterprises affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and broader economic shocks.
The programme is implemented nationwide, with funding and reimbursements tied strictly to verified performance and results, a mechanism intended to strengthen accountability.
Despite its objectives, NG-CARES has faced criticism in some states over slow implementation and alleged misuse of funds, prompting renewed emphasis by governors on transparency and proper utilisation.
Beyond economic intervention, the communiqué also addressed national security concerns, particularly during the 2025 festive season.
According to the Forum, governors received a security advisory from the Office of the National Security Adviser, warning of increased risks due to population movements and large public gatherings.
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“Governors resolved to enhance inter-agency coordination, protect critical infrastructure, and maintain visible security presence in identified hotspots to ensure a safe and incident-free festive period,” the communiqué said.
The Forum also highlighted outcomes from the third edition of the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Awards, held on December 12, 2025, where 13 states were recognised for progress in strengthening primary healthcare systems.
Yobe State emerged as the overall national winner, while Zamfara, Nasarawa, Abia, Rivers, and Osun topped their respective geopolitical zones. Kwara, Gombe, Kaduna, Anambra, Bayelsa, and Ogun states were named first runners-up.
Governors agreed that the results underscored the importance of sustained political leadership and peer accountability and pledged to build on the gains to further improve primary healthcare delivery nationwide.
