Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has highlighted the state’s substantial investment in the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme, and other programmes, revealing that over ₦100 billion has been channeled through key ministries, Agencies, and programmes. Governor Radda made the announcement today while hosting the National Retreat of NG-CARES, themed: “Building a Sustainable NG-CARES Programme: The Role of the National Assembly.”
The two-day retreat in Katsina brought together lawmakers, federal and state officials, development partners, and community stakeholders to chart the future of Nigeria’s flagship social protection programme. In his keynote address, Governor Radda welcomed delegates to Katsina, describing the state as the “Home of Hospitality and Heritage.” He described the retreat as a demonstration of Nigeria’s collective commitment to strengthening social protection and promoting inclusive development.
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Governor Radda emphasised the importance of stronger support from the National Assembly to sustain NG-CARES, calling for legislative backing, policy frameworks for nationwide implementation, and enhanced oversight to ensure transparency and accountability. “Moving forward, the National Assembly must not only allocate funds but also champion laws and policies that will make NG-CARES a permanent pillar of Nigeria’s social protection system,” he stated.
Describing NG-CARES as more than financial support, Mr Radda called it “a symbol of hope for households facing economic hardship.” He urged participants to propose innovative solutions to protect the poor, empower youth, and strengthen resilience in both rural and urban communities.
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He also highlighted Katsina’s homegrown success stories, from climate-smart agriculture to skills training and MSME support, which have revitalized local economies and promoted self-reliance, assuring that his administration will continue to invest in these platforms to deepen their impact.
Earlier, Lukman Mudassir, representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Abbas Tajudeen, commended Governor Radda for clearing all pension arrears and described Katsina as a model of accountability. He noted the House had established a dedicated Committee on NG-CARES/CSDP to ensure social protection reforms leave no vulnerable Nigerian behind.
Mr Abubakar Yahya Kusada, Chairman of the House Committee on NG-CARES, recalled that the programme was launched during the COVID-19 crisis to support households, farmers, MSMEs, and vulnerable groups. He praised Governor Radda for strengthening CSDA as a robust vehicle for poverty reduction.
Mr Kusada also revealed that the National Assembly has provided for NG-CARES in the federal budget to ensure continuity and predictable funding. He announced plans for a centralized digital dashboard to track real-time programme implementation across states. “The vision is clear — to transform NG-CARES into a fully institutionalized, sustainably funded, and nationally owned programme,” he said.
Representing the World Bank, Mr Pami Ade acknowledged the harsh reality of poverty in Nigeria but praised structured programmes like NG-CARES. He commended Katsina’s ward-based model, which allocates at least ₦10 million to every community for projects such as schools, clinics, roads, and farm inputs.
“This is true community-driven development. Proper use of funds encourages more support, addresses food insecurity, and reduces frustrations that often fuel violence,” Mr Ade said, emphasizing the need for stronger laws and institutional frameworks to secure NG-CARES’ future, and recommending that Katsina’s model be scaled nationwide.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Mr Malik Anas, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Katsina State; Amina Katagum, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Bauchi State; Mr Salisu Baba Alkali, Commissioner, Gombe State; Mr Bukar M. Zayyana, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Sokoto State; and the Commissioner for International Donor Organizations, Cross River State.
The retreat, attended by development partners, traditional rulers, state commissioners, and civil society groups, will deliberate on strategies to institutionalize NG-CARES, ensure transparency, and strengthen Nigeria’s overall social protection system.
