Zamfara State government has ordered all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the state to leave immediately and has ordered security agencies to investigate and prosecute any NGO still operating in the state without due clearance. The state government has also ordered Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to cease any form of relationship with the NGOs, warning that sanctions will befall any MDA that flouts the directive.
According to a statement issued by the government of Zamafara through its Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs Mamman Tsafe, “It is further noted that the majority of these illegal NGOs have not registered with the state in line with the laid down rules and regulations of government. Some of them have also been found to be engaging in activities fueling insecurity in the state and its neighbourhood.
“Henceforth, the government orders all NGOs in the state to pack their belongings and leave the state immediately. Ministries and Departments of government have been ordered to stop any further relationships with any NGO, as punitive measures will be taken against any MDAs found having any relationships with such NGOs.
"Security agencies in the state are by this announcement directed to be vigilant to the NGOs. Security agencies are hereby directed to investigate and prosecute any NGOs operating in the state without due clearance from designated authorities. Results of such prosecutions are to be forwarded to this Ministry for records please.”