Zamfara rakes in N358.9bn revenue, hits 82% of 2024 target

By Ishaq Zaki

The Zamfara State Government recorded a total revenue of ₦358.9 billion in 2024, representing 82% of its approved revenue projection of ₦437 billion, according to the State Auditor-General, Abubakar Danmaliki.

Danmaliki made this disclosure in Gusau on Thursday during the presentation of the 2024 Citizens’ Accountability Report, highlighting the administration’s fiscal performance.

He noted that the main sources of revenue included statutory allocations, Value Added Tax (VAT), Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), as well as aids and grants.

“In the year under review, we witnessed modest growth in VAT, federal allocations, and IGR,” Danmaliki said.

“I must commend the efforts of the current administration under Governor Dauda Lawal for strengthening internal revenue administration, blocking leakages, and improving taxpayer education and compliance.”

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Finance, Bello Auta, stated that the report presentation marked the maiden edition of such an initiative in the state. He disclosed that citizens’ nominated projects across the state totalled ₦105 billion, all of which were fully executed and completed, including projects initiated under the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) scheme.

Auta said that before the current administration, Zamfara had struggled with poor financial practices such as non-retirement of advances, IGR spent at source, and improper payment documentation.

“Through transparency, accountability, and prudent resource management, these issues have now been effectively addressed,” he said.

The 2024 budget, themed “Budget of Consolidation and Continuity”, was passed on 29 December 2023, with implementation commencing on 1 January 2024.

Key Budget Highlights:

Aggregate revenue performance stood at ₦358.9 billion, which is 18% below the budgeted ₦437 billion.

Capital expenditure reached 55% performance on a projected ₦292 billion.

Recurrent expenditure (personnel) fell short by 16%.

Other recurrent expenditure was within the acceptable threshold at 63%.

The administrative sector accounted for 74% of recurrent expenditure, while the economic sector took 41% of capital expenditure.

Auta added that the state’s top 10 value projects for the year ended 31 December 2024, representing the second year of the current administration, were nearing completion.

In his remarks, Governor Dauda Lawal, represented by the Head of Service, Alhaji Yakubu Haidara, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.

“Governance is not a closed-door affair, but a collective responsibility where citizens must feel the impact of policies and understand how public funds are being utilised,” he said.

“This report provides a clear and transparent summary of how the state’s resources are mobilised and spent to deliver services and infrastructure to residents.”

He assured the people of Zamfara that his administration would continue to keep them informed about the financial performance, commitments, and utilisation of public funds.

(NAN)