The federal government has reiterated its commitment to helping Nigeria’s COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme actualise its objectives.

The permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Nebeolisa Anako, stated this during a technical meeting on the second verification exercise in Abuja on Wednesday.

“I want to assure you that the federal government will continue to pursue vigorously the cardinal objectives enshrined in the social protection agenda through the restoration of livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable Nigerians,” Mr Anako said.

Mr Anako said the essence of the meeting was to discuss the second Independent Verification Agent (IVA) exercise, how to improve the first round of IVA assessment and plan for the upcoming exercise.

“Independent verification exercise is a precondition for the reimbursement of states and the FCT under the programme.

“I want to implore all the state governments to refrain from relenting in funding the delivery platforms and ensuring that we achieve the agreed results to earn the reimbursements accordingly.

“Government will also continue to maintain food security and facilitate the recovery of micro and small enterprises (MSEs),” Mr Anako said.

He said some states could have performed better during the first IVA assessment.

“Let me use this opportunity to encourage the states to continue in their efforts, as the subsequent rounds of evaluation will allow them to achieve results that qualify them for reimbursement.

“I am also aware that the programme has been extended. We hope that all of us will work together to re-strategise to attain positive progress in the Nigerian economy’s growth and development trajectory,” the permanent secretary said.

The permanent secretary said the immediate past government initiated the NG-CARES programme to bring emergency relief to the poor and vulnerable Nigerians negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the programme had proven to be viable with the outcome of the first assessment, which impacted more than two million Nigerians.

(NAN)