Zamfara Allocates ₦1.95b For Traditional Rulers’ Palaces in 2024 Budget

The Zamfara State Government has designated ₦1.95 billion in the 2024 budget for the reconstruction of 18 traditional rulers’ palaces across the state, according to a statement by Alhaji Ahmad Yandi, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. This announcement was made during a presentation in Gusau on Monday before the House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation.

Yandi highlighted the primary goal of this allocation as elevating the stature of traditional rulers through comprehensive palace renovations. Governor Dauda Lawal presented the state budget, amounting to ₦423.5 billion, to the assembly for approval last Thursday.

During the budget defense session for his ministry, Yandi reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the status of the traditional institution in Zamfara State. He emphasized that the palace reconstruction initiative aligns strategically with this overarching policy. Yandi also mentioned other projects slated for implementation in the budget, such as the expansion of the ministry’s complex and the development of the local government service commission office, among others.

In a related development, Alhaji Shehu Baraya, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Works and Infrastructure, disclosed that over ₦140 billion had been earmarked for roads and various infrastructure projects in the state. These projects include the ongoing reconstruction of major roads in Gusau metropolis as part of the state government’s urban renewal policy. Baraya further detailed plans for the construction of drainages and other vital infrastructure projects spanning the 14 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

Baraya clarified that the allocated funds for these projects, to be executed by the ministry, constitute 34 percent of the total 2024 appropriation for the state. He underscored that the urban renewal initiative aims to provide essential infrastructure, fostering an environment conducive to attracting more investors to Zamfara State.