Writing by Aminu Dalhatu; Editing by Abubakar Hamza.
Zamfara State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ZACCIMA) has urged its members to disregard rumours suggesting that, the state government has cancelled its plan to grant a 20 billion naira loan requested by the chamber.
The President of the Chamber, Dr. Hassan Buhari Tafida, made this clarification at a news briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Gusau, the state capital.
According to him, the loan request is still under process, contrary to claims that the government has withdrawn its support.
Dr. Tafida explained that in 2024, the chamber formally sought the governor’s intervention to provide a soft loan that would enable large-scale, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and micro-businesses in the state to expand their businesses.
He noted that, the Governor responded positively to the request and directed the chamber to compile and submit applications from interested members across the 14 local government areas of the state.
“We compiled the applications without singling out anybody. We submitted the list to His Excellency in December 2024, and he assured us that he would personally ensure our members benefit from the loan,” Dr. Tafida stated.
He revealed that the chamber was recently asked to resubmit applications, specifically for SMEs and micro-enterprises, which has already been done.
Dr.Hassan Buhari Tafida stressed that, at no point did the Governor withdraw his promise.
“There has never been a time the governor said he would not give this loan. He is a businessman and banker, and we are confident he understands the importance of supporting business growth in Zamfara State,” he added.
The Chamber’s President condemned those spreading the rumour, described it as political propaganda aimed at tarnishing the image of the state government.
Dr Tafida called on the general public to disregard such rumours, stressing that, they have not received any contrary information from the Governor.
Cov/Aminu Dalhatu.
