Africa-Press – Nigeria. Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has said that despite the state’s abundant deposits of solid minerals, it is currently not generating any revenue from them.
However, the Governor noted that the Federal Government’s lifting of the ban on solid minerals has given him the opportunity to engage with investors who can help develop the sector and boost the state’s revenue.
Lawal stated this on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, adding that just last month, he had a meeting with some private sector stakeholders who have investments in the state.
The Governor said that if things go as planned, it would mean additional revenue for both the state and the Federal Government.
“But as we speak now, there is no single revenue, as far as solid minerals are concerned, coming to Zamfara State, which is unfortunate,” the governor said.
According to Lawal, the state would no longer rely on federal allocations once investments in solid minerals begin to yield results.
“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.
Speaking further, Lawal said the security situation in Zamfara has improved over the last two years.
He explained that upon assuming office, he established Community Protection Guards in all the Local Government Areas, who have been working alongside conventional security agencies to combat banditry in the state.
He said there is no chance he would negotiate with bandits, adding that the government would welcome anyone willing to surrender unconditionally.
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