State governors have secured additional financing from the World Bank to deepen social protection, boost food security and sustain livelihoods across the country, following fresh approvals under an ongoing economic resilience programme.
The funding, confirmed yesterday at the meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), will enable continued disbursements to states under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme, which targets vulnerable households through public works, livelihood support and food security interventions.
Briefing after the meeting, the Forum said the World Bank had confirmed the effectiveness of the additional financing, clearing the way for states to maintain implementation momentum at a time of persistent economic pressures.
According to the NGF, governors reiterated their commitment to ensuring timely reporting, prudent utilisation of funds and measurable outcomes at the grassroots level.
They noted that the programme remains critical to cushioning the impact of inflation and income shocks on low-income families.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the additional financing reflects confidence in states’ delivery capacity.
He said governors would prioritise accountability to ensure the funds translate into tangible improvements in livelihoods and food access.
Moreover, the Forum stressed that the NG-CARES initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen economic resilience, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities where vulnerability remains high.
Beyond the funding approval, governors also discussed wider national issues, including security preparedness during the festive season and progress in primary healthcare delivery, underscoring the need for coordinated subnational action.
Hence, the NGF said sustained collaboration with development partners, alongside improved transparency at the state level, would be essential to maximising the impact of the World Bank-supported interventions in the months ahead.