Gov. AbdulRazaq’s Leadership Drives Kwara’s NG-CARES Success, Boosts IGR by 16% — Nuru

The Kwara State Government has recorded a remarkable achievement in the recently concluded 4th Independent Verification Assessment (IVA) of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme, with the World Bank confirming that Kwara State has secured over $85 million in performance-based grants, positioning the State among the top performers nationwide.​

This milestone was announced by the  Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, during the first quarter 2025 Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Finance in Ilorin.​

Dr. Nuru attributed this success to the unwavering commitment of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose exceptional leadership has been instrumental in steering the effective implementation of the NG-CARES programme. She emphasized that the administration's dedication to improving the livelihoods of citizens, especially the poor and vulnerable, has been pivotal in achieving this feat.​

The Commissioner highlighted that the NG-CARES programme, which commenced in 2021, aims to provide support to indigents, vulnerable groups, and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The implementation of the programme across the 16 Local Government Areas of the State has delivered goods and services to the poor and vulnerable groups, as well as supported small and micro-scale enterprises (SMEs) for socio-economic development.​

Dr. Nuru also reiterated the importance of the ongoing registration exercise with the Kwara State Residents Registration Agency (KWSRRA) for all pensioners and employees at the State and Local Government levels. She emphasized that this initiative is vital to maintain the prompt and uninterrupted payment of monthly pensions and salaries.​

Furthermore, the Commissioner disclosed that the State has achieved a significant increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), with a 16% growth in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This upward trend is attributed to the implementation of robust investment strategies and comprehensive tax reforms, aimed at reducing reliance on federal allocations.​

Dr. Nuru commended the adoption of advanced reforms such as the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), which have enhanced efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the State's financial processes. She also noted the State's efforts in promoting the ease of doing business by streamlining processes, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, and prioritizing access to credit to build a steady business ecosystem.​

The Commissioner concluded by reaffirming the State's commitment to sustaining these achievements and ensuring that every naira is judiciously utilized for the benefit of all Kwarans.

Babatunde Toyin Abdulrasheed

Press Secretary

Ministry of Finance