I’ve Not Borrowed a Dime to Transform Zamfara, Says Governor Dauda Lawal

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has declared that his administration has not borrowed any money since assuming office, despite reports suggesting the state recently acquired new debt.

Speaking during a recent interview and in an official statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the governor said the ₦14.26 billion attributed to Zamfara State by the Debt Management Office (DMO) was not borrowed under his administration but is part of a bond initiated by the previous government.

“The ₦14.26 billion being circulated was borrowed by the previous administration. It is not a debt incurred by my government,” Lawal stated. “We have not borrowed a single naira since we came into office. Everything we have achieved has been through effective management of our resources.”

According to the statement, the bond was part of a ₦20 billion facility secured during the administration of former Governor Bello Matawalle, with ₦4 billion disbursed before the end of that tenure.

The remaining ₦16 billion, including the amount listed by the DMO, was reserved for the Zamfara cargo airport project, which has since been suspended.

Governor Lawal noted that despite the lack of new loans, the state continues to suffer monthly deductions of ₦1.2 billion from its Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) share, due to inherited obligations such as pension arrears, unpaid tax deductions, and examination fees.

“We are paying back debts we did not take. Every month, ₦1.2 billion is deducted to settle loans, pension liabilities and outstanding obligations, some dating back to 2011,” the governor said.

He also revealed that his administration inherited over ₦13.6 billion in pension arrears, alongside unpaid salaries, WAEC/NECO fees, and other liabilities.

Governor Lawal said despite these financial burdens, his administration has continued to implement development projects across sectors including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security without borrowing.

He challenged anyone who believes otherwise to present concrete evidence, stating, “We urge those doubting our position to publish bank statements and other financial records. We are running a transparent and accountable government.”

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to financial prudence and sustainable development, promising to manage the state’s resources without plunging it into further debt.