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

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

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

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.