“₦30” BILLION FG INTERVENTION AND THE EMPTY ZAMFARA MARKETS

Not long ago, in the wake of food and economic crisis in Nigeria, a startling announcement came through the Senate chambers of the National Assembly. The Senate President Godswill Akpabio revealed that the Federal Government of Nigeria had disbursed ₦30 billion to each state Governor, which was outside of their regular statutory allocation. The purpose of the disbursement is to tackle the worsening issue of food supply. Despite the Federal Government’s efforts, the Zamfara state markets remain empty, food prices continue to soar, and the people of the state are left asking “Where did the Zamfara  money go”?

This revelation is not just a fiscal footnote but a wake-up call to ask Zamfara Governor where is the ₦30 billion per state since it  is not a small amount. With that kind of funding, communities in Zamfara should have seen new food distribution centers, subsidized goods, better storage infrastructure, and direct support to farmers. Instead, many Zamfara people still grappling with daily hunger and worsening inflation.

The bigger question is this: Are the Zamfara people  holding their governor accountable? For too long, there has been a disconnect between allocation and accountability. The federal government gets blamed for everything, while state governments hide in the shadows. But this ₦30 billion lifeline demands scrutiny was meant to feed the people, not fatten the pockets of a few. The people of Zamfara  have every right and responsibility to ask their state Governor for transparency and detailed reports.

Democracy thrives when leaders are questioned, not worshiped. Asking Governors “Where is our ₦30 billion?” is not being political only, but it is being responsible. Nigerians must move beyond tribal or party loyalty and focus on results. Local journalists, civic groups, youth organizations, and market women all have a role to play in demanding answers. Without public pressure, funds will keep vanishing without trace, and crises will deepen.

This is not just about missing money,  it is about a missed opportunity to ease suffering. It is about Zamfara children who go to bed hungry while billions are unaccounted for. So, the next time Zamfara State governor holds a town hall, ask about the ₦30 billion. Ask for receipts, not rhetoric. Because if you do not ask, he would not answer. And if the does not answer, Zamfara masses will all pay the price.