NG-CARES: South-South Stakeholders Assess Program Impact , Plan for Future Phases

Stakeholders from the South-South region gathered in Asaba, Delta State, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, for the NG-CARES South-South Zonal Independent Verification Agents (IVAs) Performance Review Meeting.

This meeting aimed to assess the program’s impact and lay out a roadmap for its future phases.

Key participants included representatives from the World Bank, the Federal Government of Nigeria, various state governments, and dedicated implementing partners, all focused on evaluating the vital role of IVAs in the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Program.

During his speech, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, praised the strong collaborative efforts among the World Bank, the Federal Government, and the state governments, which have been instrumental in the ongoing success of NG-CARES.

Oborevwori who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Emu pointed out that while NG-CARES was originally set up as a swift response to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has now transformed into a comprehensive development instrument that is fostering meaningful change at the community level throughout the country.

“The impact of NG-CARES in Delta State cannot be overemphasized. Through this initiative, we have reached over 306,177 direct beneficiaries and more than 1.2 million indirect beneficiaries.

“This programme has not only alleviated poverty but also stimulated economic growth and empowered our communities,” he stated.

Governor Oborevwori further emphasized the importance of IVAs in ensuring transparency, accountability, and objectivity in programme assessments.

He added that deliberations at the meeting would shape strategies for the re-engagement of IVAs under the next phase, NG-CARES 2.0.

Highlighting the upcoming transition, he explained that NG-CARES 2.0 will adopt a Community Action approach, placing communities at the centre of planning and execution.

“This grassroots-driven model empowers communities to identify their own needs, implement solutions, and take ownership of interventions such as the construction and rehabilitation of social infrastructure.

“By putting communities at the heart of implementation, NG-CARES 2.0 will deliver deeper impact, stronger accountability, and more sustainable development,” he said.

Also speaking, World Bank Task Team Leader, Mr. Lire Ersado, disclosed that the Bank has committed $700 million to support NG-CARES nationwide.

He commended Delta State for its significant counterpart funding and its track record of impactful implementation.

“Delta State has been one of the leading contributors to this programme. While the Federal Government accessed N2.2 billion, Delta’s commitment stands out.

“For the World Bank, what matters most is not just how much has been spent, but how the programme is improving lives on the ground,” Ersado remarked.

He reiterated that the focus of the World Bank remains on tangible, measurable improvements in the lives of beneficiaries, including smallholder farmers, micro and small businesses, and vulnerable households across the federation.

In her welcome remarks, the Delta State D-CARES Coordinator, Lady Dr. Pat Ogbewe assured participants of fruitful engagement.

Hear her: “It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this important South-South Zonal Performance Review Meeting of the Independent Verification Agents (IVAs) engaged under the implementation of NG-CARES 1.0.

“This gathering underscores the authenticity and significance of our collective efforts in strengthening accountability within the NG-CARES Programme.

“It is worth noting that similar review meetings are simultaneously being held today in Nasarawa and Kebbi States, further reflecting the nationwide commitment to transparency and impact assessment.

“We are especially delighted to receive our colleagues from Cross River, Bayelsa, Edo, and of course our Delta State D-CARES participants. Your presence here reinforces the collaborative spirit that drives the success of this intervention.

“This meeting is envisioned as a crucial step in evaluating the performance of our implementing partners and ensuring that NG-CARES remains true to its mandate of delivering real and measurable benefits to our people.

“We are confident that the outcomes of this review will provide a clear roadmap for strengthening the programme and guiding the effective engagement of Independent Verification Agents under the NG-CARES 2.0 dispensation.”