NEWS
Fact-Check: ZamTracka Disputes Former Governor Matawalle’s ₦1 Trillion FAAC Claim for Zamfara
In a recent statement, former Zamfara State Governor and Minister for State Defende, Bello Matawalle claimed that the state received over ₦1 trillion from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) in the last two years of this current administration. However, this assertion has been firmly rebutted by ZamTracka, a public expenditure tracking organization dedicated to promoting transparency in government spending.
According to ZamTracka’s comprehensive analysis of financial records, Zamfara State received a total of approximately ₦776.6 billion in FAAC allocations from 2019 to September 2025. This figure casts significant doubt on Matawalle’s claim, particularly when broken down into the respective periods of leadership.
During his four-year tenure from 2019 to 2023, former Governor Matawalle’s administration collected more than ₦400 billion in FAAC disbursements. In contrast, the current administration led by Governor Dauda Lawal has received slightly over ₦350 billion during its first two years in office.
This financial data has sparked a vigorous debate regarding fiscal responsibility, public accountability, and the tangible outcomes of governance in Zamfara. Economists and analysts emphasize the changing economic landscape, noting that the ₦400 billion accrued under Matawalle’s administration possessed a significantly greater purchasing power at the time, which was estimated to be worth over $571 million when the exchange rate was around ₦700 to the dollar.
In today’s economic climate, with the exchange rate hovering around ₦1,500 to the dollar, that same financial value would translate to nearly ₦856.5 billion. This shift underlines the rising costs associated with implementing infrastructure projects; for instance, a ₦1 billion project during Matawalle’s tenure could now exceed ₦3 billion due to inflation and increased material costs.
Despite the substantial financial inflow during Matawalle’s administration, critics have raised concerns regarding the visibility and impact of significant projects completed with these funds, particularly within the state capital, Gusau. Many citizens have expressed frustration at the apparent lack of transformative developments, questioning whether the allocations translated into meaningful improvements in public services and infrastructure.
On the other hand, supporters of the current government stress the achievements made despite working with an allocation that, when adjusted for the older exchange rate, would amount to approximately ₦163.1 billion. They argue that the current administration has demonstrated resilience and effective governance strategies, producing outcomes that reflect prudent resource management under challenging economic conditions.
This ongoing dispute underscores an increasing demand for transparency and accountability amongst the citizenry, especially as financial data becomes more accessible through various platforms. As the debate rages on, efforts to obtain comments from representatives of former Governor Matawalle regarding the ZamTracka findings have not yielded results thus far, leaving the discussion centered on the implications of these financial discrepancies.
NEWS
Governor Dauda Lawal Chairs Security Council Meeting, Vows Unprecedented Support for Frontline Troops
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering resolve to back security forces in the ongoing campaign against insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes plaguing the state.Presiding over the weekly State Security Council meeting on Thursday, June 25, at the Government House in Gusau, the governor convened the state’s top security brass for a high-level strategic session aimed at recalibrating the state’s counter-insurgency approach.In a terse but firm statement, Governor Lawal disclosed that deliberations centered on reinforcing troop deployments in high-risk zones, fast-tracking intelligence-sharing mechanisms and overhauling rapid-response protocols to better safeguard civilian populations.”I want to make it clear to every service commander in this room; the welfare and operational readiness of our troops remain non-negotiable. My administration stands ready to authorize every required resource logistical, material and otherwise to ensure they operate at full capacity,” Lawal declared.The governor underscored that his foremost priority remains the restoration of lasting peace across Zamfara and he assured security chiefs of his open-door policy, urging them to channel operational needs directly to his office without bureaucratic bottlenecks.With the meeting concluding, sources indicate that concrete action plans are being finalized to boost joint task force patrols and community intelligence networks, signaling a renewed offensive push in the coming weeks.
NEWS
Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies: Fiona Ahmed Ahimie Launches LEADHER Mentorship Session to Inspire the Next Generation of Female leaders
Lagos, Nigeria – June 2026 – As part of activities leading up to her investiture as the 14th President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and the first female President in the Institute’s history, Dr. Fiona Ahmed Ahimie, Managing Director of First Securities Brokers Limited, hosted the inaugural LeadHER Mentorship Session on Thursday, June 18, 2026.The session, themed “Leading with Purpose, Breaking Barriers, Building Legacy,” brought together emerging female professionals and aspiring leaders from across various industries for an engaging afternoon of mentorship, learning, and empowerment.The LeadHER Mentorship Session was designed to provide participants with practical insights into leadership, career advancement, personal development, and navigating challenges in the traditionally male-dominated sectors. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, attendees gained valuable perspectives on building successful careers while creating lasting impact within their organizations and communities.Speaking at the event, Dr. Ahimie noted that leadership is not merely about achieving personal success but about creating pathways for others to thrive.”Throughout my professional journey, I have benefited from the guidance, support, and encouragement of remarkable mentors. The LeadHER Mentorship Session is an opportunity to pay that forward by equipping and inspiring the next generation of women to pursue excellence, embrace leadership opportunities, and break barriers with confidence,” she said.The mentorship session forms part of a broader commitment to advancing female participation and leadership within Nigeria’s financial services industry and the wider corporate ecosystem. It also reflects Dr. Ahimie’s longstanding dedication to talent development, professional excellence, and inclusive leadership.The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, networking, and knowledge sharing.Dr. Ahimie’s investiture as President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers marks a historic milestone for the Institute and the Nigerian capital market, underscoring the growing role of women in shaping the future of the financial services industry.
NEWS
Insecurity: Governor Dauda Lawal Commends Troops for Recovering Ammunitions, Rustled Cattle
Zamfara State Executive Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal has commended the troops for their efforts and commitment to the fight against banditry in the state.On Saturday, the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Zamfara Police Command successfully recovered 329 cattle and 175 sheep from bandits in the Gambanda forest in Gummi Local Government.Governor Lawal, while appreciating the troops, described the Zamfara State Police’s renewed efforts as encouraging and promising in the fight against banditry.He said, “I commend the effort of all the security operatives in Zamfara State, especially the Zamfara State Police Command, for its resilience, bravery and commitment in recovering 329 cattle, 175 sheep, weapons and ammunition from bandits.”The police engaged and overpowered the bandits in Gambanda forest in Gummi local government area, which led to the recovery.”This commendable action reflects their tireless work in the face of challenges posed by criminal elements and underscores the police’s role in protecting the livelihoods of the people of Zamfara State.”The remarkable display of bravery and the successful recovery of livestock and weapons highlight the strong leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammad Bello. His guidance has been instrumental in improving public safety and combating banditry.”My administration remains committed to providing support to all security agencies in their efforts to ensure safety and security for our people.”
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