Do Business, Not Marriages With SABER Funds, Gov Lawal Tells Beneficiaries

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 extra wives and incurring other frivolous expenses.

The governor spoke in Zamfara yesterday during the official flag-off of the programme in Gusau.

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

According to him, the SABER programme, supported by the World Bank with funding between $20 million and $52 million from 2022 to 2026, is 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.”

Lawal stated that the programme had already recorded achievements, including the 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 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.”

The governor announced that disbursement would cut across the state’s micro, small, medium, and large businesses, 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 funds amounting to roughly N1.1 billion 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.”