Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has disclosed that his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, left a mere N4 million in the state’s account, resulting in unpaid salaries for four months.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Lawal also highlighted the negative impact of the financial situation on education, noting that senior secondary school students in Zamfara have been unable to sit for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO) due to the government’s outstanding debt of over one billion naira.

Lawal emphasized the dire financial state he inherited upon assuming office, with the state’s treasury virtually empty and debts accumulated in various sectors.

He dismissed claims of N20 billion left in the state’s treasury, challenging the previous administration to provide evidence of such funds.

While pledging to pay civil servants their salaries before the Eid-l-Kabir festival, Lawal acknowledged that the amount would depend on securing loans.