Do Business, Not Marriage Ceremonies With SABER Funds, Zamfara Governor Tasks Beneficiaries

The Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, has cautioned beneficiaries of the State Action on Business, and Employment Reforms (SABER) funds to channel the support into entrepreneurship and wealth creation rather than marrying more wives and engaging in other frivolous expenses.

The governor spoke on Thursday during the official flag-off of the programme in Gusau, the State capital.

He described SABER as a new chapter in the history of Zamfara State, stressing that it was not merely a funding initiative but a reaffirmation of its unwavering resolve to transform the state into a model of reform, transparency, and shared prosperity.

According to him, SABER programme, supported by the World Bank with funding between $20 million and $52 million from 2022 to 2026, was designed to dismantle barriers to investment, stimulate private enterprise, and create sustainable jobs.

He said it is being coordinated by the Ministry of Budget and Planning alongside key agencies such as Commerce and Industry, ZAGIS, Finance, Housing, Justice, Agriculture, ZIDA, and the Internal Revenue Service.

“This programme is anchored on discipline and results, not promises. We have embraced the reforms with determination and delivered results with integrity.

“Zamfara met all eligibility criteria under World Bank guidelines for 2023 and 2024, which enabled us to secure $9 million by June 2025. This is not charity, it is the reward of our performance, discipline, and accountability,” Governor Lawal stated.

Lawal stated that achievements already recorded under the programme, including digitisation of over 16,000 land registry files, streamlined access to Certificates of Occupancy, and the establishment of SABER desks across critical sectors.

He added that Zamfara State had improved its revenue profile from N90 million at the time his administration took over to over N2.5 billion presently.

“Transparency now defines our tax system. We are building a reputation for progress, resilience, reforms, and results. Very soon you will begin to see the inflow of businesses into Zamfara,” he added.

The governor announced that disbursement would cut across micro, small, medium, and large businesses in the state, explaining that thousands of beneficiaries had been carefully selected in collaboration with government institutions and the private sector to ensure fairness and impact.

He assured that the funds amounting to roughly N1.1billion were ready for immediate release, with beneficiaries expected to start receiving support without delay.

“This money is to empower you. Please, do not go and marry an additional wife. Do business, make money first. If you make money, then you can marry as much as you want,” Governor Lawal counselled the beneficiaries.