Plateau to benefit from N8bn World Bank COVID-19 economic stimulus fund

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has inaugurated a steering committee to supervise the implementation of the World Bank-funded COVID-19 Action Economic Stimulus Program for Result (NG-CARES).

Speaking during the inauguration of the committee at Little Rayfield Government House Jos, the Governor said the programme was being financed by the World Bank adding that it has fulfilled the requirements to access to $20 million dollars (over 8 billion naira) from the $750 million dollars granted to the Federal Government to address the negative consequences of COVID-19 on our economy.

Lalong declared: “We are all witnesses to the fact that COVID-19 has severely affected the lives of our citizens and that of the state in General. This has exposed poor and vulnerable households to challenges on multiple fronts. These include job losses; losses in business incomes; food insecurity; and general inability to obtain basic services for day to day living. This is even worsened by the drastic fall in government revenues.”

The governor said the programme will assist the state to mitigate the impact of the pandemic adding that Plateau State opted to implement all the three Result Areas of the programme because of their expected social intervention impacts on the economy.

He disclosed that over 60,129 citizens of Plateau State are expected to benefit from the project which has the potential of transforming the landscape of the State economy.

According to him, the State CARES Steering Committee (SCSC) will be responsible for providing oversight direction to the implementing agencies; approving their work plans and budgets; ensuring that funds are released to delivery platforms in accordance with the funds flow agreement; as well as ensuring that there is full compliance with the Program Appraisal Document.

“I shall be personally monitoring your activities to ensure that the State gets maximum benefit from its participation. Any act of non-performance or willful sabotage will not be tolerated in this program. Since this is an emergency operation with clearly spelt out guidelines, each platform should work within the confine of its responsibilities to avoid task conflict which could affect performance,” he warned.

He commended the World Bank Task Team leader, Prof Folosho Okunmodewa, and the National Coordinator for NG-CARES, Dr Abubakar Obaje, for their commitment and support for the takeoff of the project.

Chairman of the Committee and Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Sylvester Wallangko, while responding on behalf of other members said they will put in their best to achieve the objectives of the programme. He said it is a golden opportunity for the Lalong Rescue Administration to further push forward its vision for Economic Rebirth by promoting entrepreneurship and job creation.

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Plateau to benefit from N8bn World Bank COVID-19 economic stimulus fund