The Zamfara state government has denied reports that Governor Dauda Lawal collected a ₦34 billion loan.
This was contained in a statement released on Tuesday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris.
According to the statement, the government explained that the ₦34 billion mentioned in public discussions was not a new loan, but part of payments made to service debts inherited from previous administrations.
“Governor Lawal has not taken any loan, whether local or international, since assuming office,”; the statement said.
“The ₦34 billion was used to pay interest on old loans, not new borrowing.”;
According to the statement, the 2023 budget, which was prepared and approved before Governor Lawal came into office, included a provision of ₦53.2 billion for debt servicing. Out of this, ₦34 billion was spent on interest alone.
The government said these payments show the governor’s commitment to financial discipline and responsible leadership.
“The question people should be asking is how the loans taken before now were used, because there’s very little development to show for them,”; Idris added.
He said the administration is focused on reducing the state’s debt burden and has not applied for any new loan facility.
“We are confident in our record. Governor Dauda Lawal is committed to restoring financial integrity in Zamfara State,”; the statement concluded.
