Despite its vast deposits of solid minerals, Zamfara State currently earns no revenue from these natural resources, Governor Dauda Lawal revealed in a recent interview. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Governor Lawal expressed disappointment over the state’s inability to capitalise on its mineral wealth but remained hopeful about future prospects following the Federal Government’s recent lifting of the ban on solid mineral exploration.
“I am happy now that the Federal Government has lifted the ban on solid minerals, and if you follow the trend, just last month we had a meeting with some private sector investors interested in Zamfara State,” the governor said. “That is exactly what we are doing now — trying to bring the private sector to invest in solid minerals, in collaboration with both the state and Federal Governments. If that works out well, it means additional revenue for Zamfara State as well as the Federal Government.”
However, Governor Lawal confirmed that no financial benefits from solid minerals have yet materialised for Zamfara, lamenting, “But as we speak now, there is no single revenue as far as solid minerals are concerned that is coming to Zamfara State, which is unfortunate.”
The governor is optimistic that with proper investment and development, the state’s economy will diversify away from its current dependence on allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). “By the time we do that, I don’t think we will be relying on FAAC anymore; we will be more than comfortable to develop Zamfara State and move the state forward,” he said.
Security Gains Amid Persistent Challenges
Zamfara has long been plagued by insecurity, notably from banditry and insurgency. Governor Lawal stated that security has improved significantly in the last two years under his administration. Upon taking office, he initiated the establishment of Community Protection Guards in all Local Government Areas, a force working alongside conventional security agencies to curb violence.
“I have refused to negotiate with insurgents but welcome anyone willing to surrender unconditionally,” he added, reaffirming his commitment to restoring peace in the state.
Looking Ahead
Governor Lawal’s administration is now focused on creating mechanisms to attract private investment into Zamfara’s solid minerals sector. This approach is seen as pivotal to transforming the state’s economic landscape and reducing its reliance on federal allocations.
As Nigeria’s northern states continue to seek economic growth alongside improved security, Zamfara’s emerging efforts in mineral resource development could serve as a blueprint for sustainable state-level revenue generation.
