The Zamfara Concerned Citizens group has appealed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to place Governor Dauda Lawal under watch, following claims of substantial fund allocations to Zamfara State, its local governments, and other sources totaling ₦341,593,410,590 from May 2023 to October 2024.
The group provided a breakdown of these allocations, detailing that FAAC State Government funds accounted for ₦139,681,912,237.13, FAAC Local Government received ₦88,741,377,601.75, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) contributed ₦15,000,000,000.00, NG-CARES programs accounted for ₦49,182,347,834.58, Infrastructure Support provided ₦20,000,000,000.00, a Bond Balance brought in ₦14,334,813,918.00, Accresal contributed ₦2,652,950,000.00, and UBE Grants amounted to ₦6,300,000,000.00, totaling ₦341,593,410,590.
In a statement signed by spokesperson Abubakar Ibrahim Gusau, the group claimed that an airport project originally budgeted at ₦11 billion under Dr. Bello Matawalle’s administration, with nearly ₦9 billion already spent, was allegedly re-awarded by Lawal at a significantly increased cost of ₦62.9 billion, with allegations that 20% of this amount had been collected upfront.
Further, the group alleged inflated costs in road projects, with one contract initially estimated at ₦75 to ₦80 million per kilometer reportedly awarded at ₦1.2 billion per kilometer under the current administration. According to the group, only 11 kilometers of road have been constructed in Gusau, Lawal’s local government area.
Additionally, the group highlighted that a road project from Gusau to Dan Sadau, initially proposed at ₦5.8 billion, was instead awarded at ₦82.3 billion under Lawal’s administration, with a similar claim that 20% of the funds had been collected as a kickback.
The Zamfara Concerned Citizens also alleged plans to award contracts in regions known for bandit activity, suggesting that the governor may intend to blame bandit interference for delayed projects to divert funds.
Calling on EFCC, ICPC, and the citizens of Zamfara State to closely monitor the governor’s actions, the group raised concerns over the use of public funds, particularly regarding a ₦12 billion security allocation that they claim has not effectively supported security efforts within the state.
Gusau emphasized the need for transparency concerning the security fund, questioning whether significant amounts of these allocated resources have been diverted for personal use while the state battles severe insecurity.
The group also noted political consequences linked to alleged corruption under Lawal’s administration, pointing to the recent resignation of a former Inspector General of Police and the defection of a legislator.
In response to these accusations, the Zamfara Concerned Citizens formally requested that the EFCC and ICPC launch an investigation into Governor Dauda Lawal’s actions, underscoring the critical need for accountability and transparency in the governance of Zamfara State.
