A civil society organization, Zamfara Progressive Coalition (ZAC), has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the utilization of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds allocated to Zamfara State under Governor Dauda Lawal's administration.
In a statement signed by its president, Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-Azumi, the coalition described Lawal's two-year tenure as a "monumental failure," alleging that billions of naira received from federal allocations have been squandered with no visible development to show for it.
"It is heartbreaking that two years after the election of Dauda Lawal, Zamfara remains a state defined by hunger, fear, and neglect. Billions have come in, but not one major road, hospital, or school has been built or rehabilitated. The people have been abandoned," the statement read.
The group accused the governor of spending more time in Abuja than in Zamfara, claiming he has "chosen pageantry over performance" while the state continues to grapple with insecurity, poverty, and deteriorating public services.
Worsening Security and Social Services
According to ZAC, Zamfara remains one of Nigeria's most troubled states, facing persistent bandit attacks, displacement of rural communities, and collapse of basic public services. The coalition highlighted the growing number of out-of-school children, unpaid local government salaries, and deteriorating security as evidence of failed leadership.
"Go to Tsafe, Bungudu, and Maru LGAs, the people are living like refugees in their own land. Bandits collect taxes from farmers, while the government sits idle. Our people are being kidnapped weekly, yet the governor keeps attending ceremonies in Abuja," Dan-Azumi stated.
The coalition further alleged that healthcare facilities across the state lack essential medications, with pregnant women dying from preventable complications. They also claimed that educational institutions are in disrepair, lacking basic infrastructure and teaching staff.
Call for Accountability
ZAC demanded a comprehensive audit of all FAAC allocations received by Zamfara State since 2023, questioning the management of these funds amid widespread poverty and underdevelopment.
"The poverty level in Zamfara is among the highest in the country. Young people roam the streets with nothing to do. There are no empowerment schemes, no vocational training centres, and no industrial plans. This is governance by negligence," the statement continued.
The group emphasized that despite Zamfara's natural resources, including gold and agricultural potential, these assets remain unharnessed under the current administration.
As part of its advocacy efforts, ZAC announced plans to begin publishing monthly scorecards of the governor's activities to keep citizens informed and pressure the government to take action on critical issues affecting the state.
