Dec 19 2024
GOVERNOR LAWAL SIGNS N546 BILLION 2025 BUDGET INTO LAW, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO RESCUE AGENDA

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LAWAL SIGNS N546 BILLION 2025 BUDGET INTO LAW, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO RESCUE AGENDA

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has signed the 2025 appropriation bill of N546,014,575,000.00 into law.

The 2025 budget, titled “Rescue Budget 2.0,” was presented to the governor by the Zamfara State House of Assembly Speaker on Thursday at the Council Chamber, government house, Gusau.

During the signing of the 2025 appropriation bill, Governor Lawal committed to completing all ongoing legacy projects and building on the successes achieved in his administration’s past 18 months.

The governor highlighted the importance of the 2025 budget, saying that ‘we must not only look at where we are or where we are going, but where we’ve been.

“The situation last year was concerning. A decade of poor governance led to economic collapse, unpaid wages for civil servants, and liabilities that hindered children’s education. Infrastructure was damaged, hospitals were abandoned, and public services became bloated. Additionally, there was a lack of accountability, ongoing electricity bill issues, inadequate water supply, insecurity, and the rise of communicable diseases like cholera, along with declining internal revenue.

“If we had not acted swiftly to all the challenges, Zamfara State would not be a place we all could live in today.

“The 2025 Rescue Budget 2.0 is driven by our commitment to continue the work we’ve started for our people, reflecting strong policies and enthusiasm. This budget also accounts for the increase in the minimum wage for civil servants, rising from N30,000 to N70,000.

“The 2025 budget upholds the best practice of allocating 28% of recurrent expenditure compared to 72% for capital expenditure. The rescue agenda also focuses on key areas for the 2025 budget, including security, education, health, infrastructure, and agriculture.”

Governor Lawal revealed that it is time for Zamfara state to overcome its infrastructure decay and commit to quality architectural development.

The 2025 budget allocates resources to fund the ongoing projects at Gusau International Airport and the construction of the Gusau-Magami to Dansadau Road.

“The 2025 budget allocates resources to the provision of security equipment through the ‘security trust fund,’ building schools through the Agile program, establishing a state-of-the-art diagnostic centre, building a Smart city, food security under the Fadama III program, ease of doing business through the Saber Program, remodelling Bafarawa Institute Shinkafi, and construction of the International Conference Center.

“The ongoing construction of Lalan to Lalan Road, upgrading Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital to a teaching hospital, construction of additional structures in general hospitals of Anka, Kauran namoda, Gummi, Shinkafi, Magami, Tsafe, Jangebe, and Bukkuyum, Improvement of shelter for IDPs through the Solid program, enhancing livestock productivity through the L-Press program, construction of 126 kilometers of magami-dangulbi-dankurmi-bagega-anka road.”

Other projects covered in the 2025 budget are the NG-Cares initiative to empower community development, the construction of Gusau International Sports Center, construction of Mallamawa – Zarummai – Bukkuyyum road, construction of structures for the newly created School of Nursing and midwifery Zurmi, completion of Gusau Shopping Center at the old park, and the construction of a 94-kilometer road in Yandoton Daji- Doka – Yanwaren daji-Hayin alhaji-Bedi – Yankuzo – Tsafe road.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
December 19, 2024

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Dec 5 2024
GOV. LAWAL PRESENTS N545 BILLION 2025 ‘RESCUE BUDGET 2.0’ TO ZAMFARA ASSEMBLY, PRIORITIZES SECURITY, HEALTH AND EDUCATION

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL PRESENTS N545 BILLION 2025 ‘RESCUE BUDGET 2.0’ TO ZAMFARA ASSEMBLY, PRIORITIZES SECURITY, HEALTH AND EDUCATION

Governor Dauda Lawal has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to adopting a more pragmatic approach to managing Zamfara State’s finances.

On Thursday, the governor presented the Zamfara State House of Assembly with an estimated N545,014,575,000.00 as a proposed budget for the 2025 fiscal year.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that for the first time in Zamfara, the Ministry of Health takes 11% of the proposed budget’s total sum, amounting to N62,124,702,98.

The statement added that the educational sector accounts for 14% of the total sum, which also amounts to N79, 664, 861, 461.

“Security, which constitutes 6% of the total amount, totals N32, 288, 70, 000. Agriculture accounts for 6% amounting to N34, 716, 18, 000.”

Delivering his remark, Governor Dauda Lawal emphasized that the 2025 budget represents a roadmap for addressing the pressing needs of Zamfara state.

He said: “It is a vision for the future of Zamfara. It is also a testament to our resolve to transform challenges into opportunities and deliver a more prosperous, secure state for our people.

“Over the past 18 months, we have achieved remarkable revenue growth of 240.44%, elevating our state from 36th to 26th in Nigeria’s internal revenue generation standings. This is a testament to the rigorous revenue generation drive and strategic measures implemented by this administration to block revenue leakages.

“We have demonstrated our unwavering commitment to financial sustainability through enhanced accountability, improved collection systems, and the expansion of revenue sources.

“While this achievement is commendable, it is crucial to note that the increase is in relative terms rather than absolute. We will ensure revenue-generating MDAs redouble their efforts by thoroughly exploring all potential sources and maximizing opportunities.

“To speed up the process of economic development and secure a brighter future for our people, we have embarked on transformative projects with significant potential to strengthen the state’s financial standing. A notable example is the Gusau International Airport, which this administration awarded to align with our strategic vision.

“We are advancing critical infrastructure projects in roads, healthcare, agriculture, rural development, and education. These initiatives are carefully designed to build a resilient economy capable of improving the livelihoods of our citizens.

“We have sustained the culture of reforms in the public sector, which we initiated shortly after assumption of office. These reforms aim to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure the effective utilization of public resources. A key aspect of these reforms is the digitization of government services. Notable examples include the digitization of the Executive Council chambers, land registry, revenue generation, and collection system.

“We have introduced performance-based budgeting and strengthened financial oversight mechanisms. Budgets are no longer annual rituals often not adhered to; instead, they are strategic tools for achieving developmental goals. We aim to build a transparent, accountable governance framework that inspires public trust and drives socio-economic development.

“Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, the 2025 budget proposal has been meticulously crafted to reflect our aspirations for a prosperous Zamfara State. Like the 2024 budget, it prioritizes capital expenditure over recurrent costs, ensures equitable resource distribution, and lays a solid foundation for sustainable development. With the collective efforts of all stakeholders, I am confident that we can overcome our challenges and achieve the transformative growth that Zamfara State deserves.”

Governor Lawal said that the total estimate for the 2025 fiscal year is N545,014,575,000.00, which represents ₦151,680,000,000.00 for Recurrent Expenditures and ₦393,334,575,000.00 for Capital Expenditures.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
December 05, 2024

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Nov 3 2024
BudgIT 2024 RANKING: ZAMFARA EMERGES HIGHEST IN IGR GROWTH IN NIGERIA

PRESS STATEMENT

BudgIT 2024 RANKING: ZAMFARA EMERGES HIGHEST IN IGR GROWTH IN NIGERIA

Zamfara State has been ranked as Nigeria’s leading Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) state performance on Index A.

BudgIT’s State of States Report for 2024, launched last week Tuesday, is an annual publication evaluating each state’s long-term fiscal performance and sustainability.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the significant improvement in the growth of the Zamfara Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by 240.44% is linked to the state’s decision to not rely only on Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

The statement added that the BudgIT report was obtained through its annual analysis, assessment, and rankings of the fiscal performance of all 36 states, from the most to the least sustainable.

The BudgIT report explained the significant growth in Zamfara State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), highlighting that from its bottom position of 36th in 2023, Zamfara rose to 26th in 2024.

“This significant feat can be attributed to the state reversing the decline of 49.75% observed in its 2022 IGR, increasing it by 240.22% from N6.51bn in 2022 to N22.16bn in 2023.

“There were significant increases in components of Zamfara’s IGR year-on-year: its Income Tax grew by 142.26% from N5.03bn in 2022 to N12.18bn, licenses rose by 5921.22% from N22.78 million in 2022 to N1.37 billion in 2023, Fees grew by 3610.38% from N82.44 million in 2022 to N3.06 billion in 2023.

“Additionally, fines rose by 1924.52% from N24.15 million in 2022 to N491.32 million in 2023, Sales grew by 32.49% from N772.06 million in 2022 to N1.02 billion in 2023, Earnings grew by 542.59% from N87.53 million in 2022 to N562.48 million in 2023, and its earnings from other taxes grew by 519.71% from N412.03 million in 2022 to N2.55 billion in 2023.

“Furthermore, the state generated revenue from rent on government buildings, rent on lands and others, investment income, and reimbursement, where it recorded no revenue in the previous year. Zamfara can demonstrate a commitment to improving its financial sustainability by exploring its natural resources in collaboration with the federal government to diversify its revenue base.

“The state’s total revenue increased by 65.35% to N144.95bn in 2023 from N87.68bn earned the previous year. Regarding recurrent revenue structure, the state’s susceptibility to external fiscal shocks appeared to have reduced from the previous year as its FAAC dependence decreased from 90.52% in 2022 to 74.66% in 2023, despite the FAAC allocation rising by 4.93% from N62.21bn to N65.28bn. Lastly, the IGR to recurrent revenue ratio for 2023 was 22.16% higher than 9.48% in 2022.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
November 03, 2024

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Aug 7 2024
ZAMFARA GOV’T DENIES BUDGETING N19.3 BILLION FOR KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, SAYS FUNDS ARE FOR PROJECTS UNDER EDUCATION

PRESS STATEMENT

ZAMFARA GOV’T DENIES BUDGETING N19.3 BILLION FOR KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, SAYS FUNDS ARE FOR PROJECTS UNDER EDUCATION

Zamfara State Government has refuted the claim that it budgeted 19.3 billion Naira for purchasing kitchen equipment in 2024, stating that fake news is intended to mislead the public.

On Tuesday, an online platform reported that a review of the Zamfara State budget performance document has shown that the state budgeted N19.3 billion to purchase kitchen and canteen equipment for the 2024 fiscal year.

In a response during a press briefing in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara state, Mallam Abdulmalik Gajam, the state commissioner for budget and planning, expressed disappointment in the misleading report.

Mallam Gajam provided details of the breakdown of the N19.3 billion budgeted for projects under the Ministry of Education. “The news platform that peddled the fake news pushed half-baked statistics, omitting the vital information from the complete budget performance document.”

Gajam said: “The breakdown of 19.3 billion was budgeted under the Ministry of Education, and it is under the category of capital expenditure.

“The name canteen & kitchen is a fixed asset purchase the coded name of a particular category of multiple expenditures which contain a provision on the agile program, construction of zonal primary schools, provision of smart primary school in gusau, procurement of kitchen utensil for all government school for 40 million, construction of teachers training center and creation of teachers development funding scheme.

“All this put together is what constituted 19.3 billion.

The commissioner further stressed that Governor Lawal’s administration came to reduce the abuse of public funds and block leakages. “We would not be found wanting in relation to such mismanagement and irresponsibility.”

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Apr 1 2024
WE DID NOT BORROW 14.26BN; IT WAS PROCEEDS OF N20 BILLION LOAN FLOATED BY PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION, SAYS ZAMFARA GOV’T

WE DID NOT BORROW 14.26BN; IT WAS PROCEEDS OF N20 BILLION LOAN FLOATED BY PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION, SAYS ZAMFARA GOV’T

The Zamfara State Government has disclosed that the sum of 14.26 billion was not borrowed but part of the proceeds from a 20 billion naira loan floated by the previous administration.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that no domestic or external loans have been borrowed since Governor Dauda Lawal took office.

“We would like to clarify the Debt Management Office (DMO) report that the Zamfara State Government borrowed N14.26 billion naira.

“Zamfara State Government has never applied for loans or approached the State Assembly or National Assembly for such a request.

“It is important to note that the previous Zamfara state government floated a N20 billion bond but failed to collect the total amount.

“The immediate past government received N4 billion naira out of the 20 billion loans requested for the Zamfara cargo airport project, though the funds were not utilized.

“Upon assuming office, we discovered that the payment terms made terminating the bond impossible without incurring a significant loss for the state.

“The balance of N16 billion Naira out of the N20 billion borrowed by the past administration is the N14.26 billion captured by the Debt Management Office (DMO). The value is reduced due to inflation.

“The bond balance, which is still in a government account, has not been used and will be reserved for the airport project.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
April 01, 2024

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Jan 8 2024
ZAMFARA GOVERNOR PRESIDES OVER EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING, PLEDGES FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF 2024 RESCUE BUDGET

ZAMFARA GOVERNOR PRESIDES OVER EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING, PLEDGES FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF 2024 RESCUE BUDGET

Governor Dauda Lawal pledged a full implementation of his administration’s 2024 rescue budget.

On Monday, the governor presided over the Zamfara State Executive Meeting at the Council Chambers, Government House in Gusau.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the council discussed essential matters, including the 2024 budget.

According to him, Governor Lawal set the tone for his administration’s programmes and activities for 2024.

Addressing the council, Governor Lawal reiterated the strategies for implementing the programs outlined in the ‘2024 Rescue Budget’. “As we look back, it is crucial to appreciate the contributions and cooperation that have led to the significant achievements of this administration despite the serious economic and social challenges.

“On a positive note, our collective efforts have set a new agenda for governance in the State. In the last seven months, the narrative about Zamfara State has significantly changed for the better and is moving forward in all areas of development.

“When we assumed office on May 29th, 2023, we identified and prioritised key issues affecting the socioeconomic well-being of our people. We focused on restructuring the government’s framework and embarking on governance reform, which are essential in achieving our goals. This was complemented by a series of policy initiatives aligned with our administration’s priorities.

“In this fiscal year, we must not only sustain the momentum but also work harder to meet the targets of the 2024 budget. We will focus on consolidating our gains and addressing the existing gaps, particularly in security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic growth.

“As we begin the implementation of the 2024 budget, I expect to receive reports on the performance of MDAs periodically. A performance delivery unit under the Office of the Governor will soon come on board to assess the performance of all appointees.”

The governor further emphasised that his government has rolled out programs and policies stated in the 2024 Rescue Budget. “Let us remember that our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for every inhabitant of Zamfara State. This requires a collaborative and transparent approach, where every council member plays a pivotal role.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
January 08, 2024

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Dec 31 2023
ZAMFARA GOVERNOR SIGNS N426 BILLION 2024 ‘BUDGET OF RESCUE’ INTO LAW

On Saturday, Governor Dauda Lawal signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N426 billion for the Zamfara State budget.

The N426,563,671,000.00 billion approved ‘Budget of Rescue’ was passed by the Zamfara State House of Assembly last Friday.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the 2024 estimate has N118,358,079,515.00 (27%) allocated for recurrent expenditure and N308,205,591,485.00 (73%) for capital expenditure.

He added that the budget of rescue would enhance domestic and foreign investments, productivity, and ease of business in Zamfara state.

The statement read in parts: “The 2024 budget signed by Governor Lawal prioritizes six critical sectors for Zamfara State’s development: security, education, agriculture, health, infrastructure, and others.

“The budget has the following estimates: Administration – N72,093,326,763 (17%); Economic Sector – N244,729,584,729 (57%); Social Sector – N103,139,659,508 (24%); Law and Justice Sector – N6,601,100,000 (2%).

“Furthermore, the assented 2024 budget has estimated on sub-sectors: Agriculture – N38,144,000,000; Education – N51,370,787,508; Health – N33,922,370,000; and Infrastructure & Urban Development – N109 Billion.

The rescue budget has allocated sufficient funds for social intervention programs to mitigate the impact of the current economic difficulties and insecurity.

“These programs include micro-credit disbursement to Small and Medium Enterprises, the FADAMA Program for food security, and other initiatives to reduce poverty. We will also be strengthening our Skills Acquisition programs to provide job opportunities to our large population in the State.

“The approved budget is consistent with the strategic plan of Governor Lawal’s long-term vision. It emphasizes citizen-nominated projects, and some programs are also considered to have a direct bearing on the yearnings and aspirations of our people.

“The proposed budget is balanced as the projected revenue equals the estimated expenditure.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
December 31, 2023

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Dec 21 2023
GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL PRESENTS 423BN ‘RESCUE BUDGET’, RESTATES COMMITMENT TO DUE PROCESS

The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, presented a budget estimate of N423,523,730,000.00 for the 2024 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.

The theme of the 2024 Zamfara budget is “Rescue Budget” and was presented on Thursday at the Chamber of the State House of Assembly Complex, Gusau.

A statement by the Spokesperson for the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the proposed budget comprises N118,134,730,000.00 for recurrent expenditure and N305,389,000,000.00 for capital expenditure.

According to him, the Zamfara state government plans to extend the ongoing urban renewal projects to cover all 14 local government areas in the 2024 appropriation proposal.

“Today, Governor Dauda Lawal presented to the State Assembly a budget estimate of N423,523,730,000.00, which comprises N118,134,730,000.00 for recurrent expenditure and N305,389,000,000.00 for capital expenditure.

“The proposed 2024 budget is broken down into N160,425,064,000.00 and N263,098,666,000.00 as projected recurrent revenues and capital receipts, respectively. These revenues are based on multiple grant resources to make them fiscally realisable, coherent, and consistent with medium and long-term strategic plans. Similarly, the year has a corresponding expenditure outlay of N118,134,730,000.00 for the recurrent component and N305,389,000,000.00 for the capital component.

“The Rescue Budget has considered the current situation in Zamfara State and has made detailed provisions to address the people’s immediate needs. After a thorough process, the allocations to different sectors of the economy have been carefully considered by our Executive Estimates Committee and the entire Executive Council.

“Furthermore, the ‘Rescue Budget’ is not just a financial plan; it is a blueprint for building a new Zamfara State, designed to navigate us through challenging times and pave the way for a more prosperous future. We are committed to maintaining due process, transparency, and accountability, especially in financial dealings.

“The Zamfara State Government intends to execute during the year 2024 the following projects: Continuation of Urban Renewal Programme; construction of 17 kilometres Mallamawa to Bukkuyum road; Bukkuyum to birnin zauma to Gummi road; Maradun to Makera road; Damri to Aje Wargi to Dakko to Rafin Gyero to Barayar Zaki to Nasarawar Burkullu road; Maradun to Magami to Faru Road; Magami-Dangulbi-Dankurmi-Bagega to Anka road among others.”

He added that the proposed budget emphasises citizen-nominated projects, and some programmes are also considered to have a direct bearing on the yearnings and aspirations of the people of Zamfara.

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