Governor Dauda Lawal has launched the Zamfara SABER grants, disbursing N1.1bn to 3,060 businesses to boost economic growth and job creation

Zamfara State has officially launched the disbursement of N1.1 billion under the SABER programme, offering financial grants to over 3,000 entrepreneurs to strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises across the state.

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Speaking at the launch event at the JB Yakubu Secretariat in Gusau, Governor Dauda Lawal assured business owners of sustained support and an improved business environment, stating that the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) is key to unlocking economic renewal in Zamfara.

According to a statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the programme will support entrepreneurs in three main categories:

• 2,000 nano and micro enterprises to receive N150,000 each
• 1,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to receive N500,000 each
• 60 medium to large businesses to receive N5 million each

“We are gathered today to launch the programme with the commencement of disbursement to businessmen and women throughout the state,” the governor said.

The SABER initiative is a five-year, performance-based, multi-sectoral programme supported by the World Bank, aimed at removing business barriers, promoting private enterprise, and driving job creation. Between 2022 and 2026, Zamfara expects funding ranging between $20 million to $52 million USD.

Lawal described SABER as “no ordinary intervention,” noting that the grant component is designed to stimulate economic activity and empower business owners across all scales.

The programme is coordinated by the Ministry of Budget and Planning and implemented by a wide range of MDAs, including:

1.  Ministry of Commerce and Industry
2.  Ministry of Finance
3.  Ministry of Agriculture
4.  Ministry of Justice
5. ZAGIS (Zamfara Geographic Information System)
6. ZITDA (Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency)
7.  Internal Revenue Service
8.  Housing Corporation

It also operates in close partnership with the Ease of Doing Business Committee and local private sector representatives.

Charles Odii, Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), praised the governor for his hands-on approach to SME development.

“If a small business owner gets N150,000, he will employ at least one person. This is how you grow a local economy,” Odii stated.

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Governor Lawal reiterated that Zamfara’s long-term vision is to become a hub of sustainable private enterprise, with policies, programmes, and partnerships like SABER working together to ensure job creation, poverty reduction, and economic resilience.