Zamfara Commits N7.2bn to Grassroots Development as Lawal Expands Community Intervention Projects

The Zamfara State Government has approved the release of N7.2 billion to fund development projects across 375 communities under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at improving the livelihoods of vulnerable populations.

The approval, granted by Governor Dauda Lawal, was announced on Tuesday in Gusau by the Deputy Governor, Mani Mummuni, during the inauguration of a free capacity-building programme for project implementation committees drawn from 158 beneficiary communities across the state.

Mummuni said the intervention, which will be executed through the State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), underscores the administration’s commitment to delivering essential infrastructure and improving living conditions in communities across Zamfara’s 14 Local Government Areas.

According to him, the N7.2 billion allocation will finance a wide range of community-driven projects, including healthcare facilities, educational infrastructure, water supply schemes, agricultural initiatives, drainage systems and other critical social amenities.

He explained that the projects would be managed by Community Project Monitoring Committees (CPMCs) under the supervision of the CSDA to ensure effective implementation and community ownership.

The deputy governor urged members of the monitoring committees to uphold the highest standards of integrity in handling the funds, stressing that transparency and accountability were crucial to the success of the initiative.

He described the intervention as part of Governor Lawal’s broader agenda to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every corner of the state, particularly underserved rural communities.

Mummuni also expressed optimism that the training programme organised by the CSDA would strengthen community participation in project execution while promoting accountability, transparency and a greater sense of responsibility among beneficiaries.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Community and Social Development Agency, Umar Nakwada, said the participants were selected from Community Project Monitoring Committees established to oversee projects in their respective communities.

He explained that the training was designed to equip committee members with the knowledge and skills required to implement projects efficiently and in line with established guidelines.

Nakwada disclosed that the current training covers Batch A projects valued at N3.2 billion, benefiting 158 communities, adding that the agency had put in place mechanisms to ensure strict monitoring and quality control throughout the implementation process.

He also applauded Governor Lawal for his consistent support for programmes aimed at improving the welfare and living standards of rural residents across the state.

Also speaking, the State NG-CARES Coordinator, Mukhtar Ibrahim**, commended the Zamfara State Government for prioritising initiatives that directly impact poor and vulnerable households.

He explained that the NG-CARES programme was established to broaden access to livelihood support, strengthen food security and provide grants to vulnerable households and small businesses affected by economic challenges.

According to Ibrahim, the intervention is built around three key focus areas, namely livelihood and social support, food security and agricultural value chain development, as well as the recovery and growth of micro and small enterprises.

He said the programme is expected to improve economic resilience at the grassroots while creating sustainable opportunities for communities to rebuild livelihoods and drive local development.