A civil society group, Zamfara Concerns Citizens, has criticised Governor Dauda Lawal for allocating over ₦1 billion for luxury vehicles for the state’s 14 local government chairmen amidst widespread poverty and deteriorating public services.
In a statement on Saturday, spokesperson Abdulmalik Lawali Gusau condemned the move, calling it “wasteful and insensitive.”
Gusau noted that Governor Lawal had previously criticised his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, for a similar purchase but is now spending double the amount under harsher economic conditions.
“When Matawalle purchased cars for council chairmen, emirs, and district heads, the economy was stable, and the minimum wage was being paid. Now, citizens are struggling to feed, yet this administration prioritises luxury vehicles over pressing needs,” Gusau said.
He further accused the governor of failing to improve the lives of residents despite substantial allocations to the state since the removal of the fuel subsidy.
“Zamfara State is not your personal company; you have no right to tamper with its resources recklessly. We demand good governance and accountability,” Gusau added.
Zamfara, one of Nigeria’s poorest states, suffers from dire healthcare and educational infrastructure, with 74% of its population living below the poverty line. Critics argue that the funds could have been better utilised to address these systemic issues.
“This decision shows shocking disregard for the struggles of ordinary citizens,” a local activist remarked. “Leadership should focus on improving lives, not indulging in unnecessary luxuries.”
The controversy has also drawn attention to Governor Lawal’s recent refusal to fund scholarships for 100 stranded Zamfara students in Cyprus, citing the ₦1.3 billion cost as excessive. Critics have pointed out the inconsistency in priorities, questioning the government’s commitment to addressing the state’s challenges.