Zamfara State Government has denied claims that Governor Dauda Lawal secured a ₦34 billion loan, describing the report as a deliberate act of misinformation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the administration said the story, published by Sahara Reporters, was a misrepresentation of budgetary facts and a misunderstanding of the state’s current financial obligations.

He clarified that the 2023 budget, which made provision for debt servicing, was passed under the previous administration of Bello Matawalle, who now serves as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence.

“Governor Lawal has not taken any loans, whether local or international, in his two years in office,” the statement added. “The ₦34 billion referenced in the report pertains to interest payments made to service existing loans incurred by former administrations.”

According to the statement, a total of ₦53.2 billion was earmarked in the 2023 budget for debt servicing, including interest and principal repayments. The state, however, spent ₦34 billion on interest alone, payments that the Lawal administration says reflect a commitment to fiscal discipline, not fresh borrowing.

“The real question Sahara Reporters should be asking is how the loans taken by the Matawalle administration were spent, given there was little to no corresponding development,” Idris said.

He challenged the online platform to provide any official documentation showing that the current administration had sought or secured new loan facilities.

“We are confident in our record. Governor Dauda Lawal remains committed to reducing Zamfara’s debt burden and restoring financial integrity in the state.”

Governor Lawal recently restated, during a live media engagement, that his government would prioritise internally generated revenue and prudent financial management over borrowing as a means to finance development projects.

The government’s response comes amid increased public scrutiny over state borrowing practices, transparency in budget execution, and the use of inherited debt obligations by new administrations.