How Zamfara Government Uses the World Bank’s SABER Fund

The World Bank’s State Enabling Business Environment Reforms (SABER) Programme funds are being used to develop Zamfara State, the state government announced.

Governor Dauda Lawal, represented by Deputy Governor Mallam Mani Mummuni, made the statement during the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) national town‑hall and state engagement tour in Zamfara.

The tour was part of a nationwide series of town‑hall meetings and stakeholder engagements that examined the current status of the SABER Programme.

Deputy Governor Mummuni said the state must strengthen its business sector. To that end, the administration is prioritising infrastructure that directly meets the needs and aspirations of local business groups.

“SABER aims to improve the implementation of Business Enabling Reforms. The Zamfara State Government has begun strengthening the systems that support the Business Enabling Environment in its various agencies,” he said.

“In line with the current administration of Governor Dauda Lawal (Gamjin Gusau), efforts have been made to provide infrastructure and to utilise all funds drawn from the World Bank SABER programme for growth and development,” the deputy governor added.

He noted that the state government has built four small‑claim courts to expedite the resolution of commercial disputes in Gusau, Kaura Namoda, Gummi and Talata Mafara.

During the PEBEC tour to the northwest, Barrister Jafar Shu’aibu highlighted the importance of understanding the investment lifecycle and enhancing the investor experience.

Sani Bukkuyum, the Zamfara State PEBEC focal person and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Planning, urged stakeholders at the town‑hall meeting to propose meaningful solutions that support the government’s efforts to build a resilient and inclusive economy for all.