Group urges Tinubu to reconsider Yazid Danfulani as SMDF executive secretary

By Abubakar Yunusa

A political group, Zamfara APC Youth Vanguard, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the appointment of Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI).

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its Chairman, Hon. Muhammad Usman Gusau, the group expressed concern over what it described as a “mix-up” in the appointments announced on December 6, 2024.

It urged the President to reinstate Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani, whose initial appointment to the role was reversed hours later.

“While Nigerians were still celebrating the appointment of a renowned administrator and visionary leader, Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani, the announcement was abruptly replaced with the reappointment of Hajia Fatima Umaru-Shinkafi,” the statement said.

The group acknowledged Umaru-Shinkafi’s contributions since her tenure began in 2017 but argued that the sector requires new leadership to achieve greater heights.

“Danfulani is an embodiment of patriotism and development expertise, with a strong background in banking, computing, and business administration.

His wealth of experience at the Central Bank of Nigeria and as Zamfara State Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, coupled with his academic qualifications, positions him as an ideal candidate to implement the Renewed Hope Agenda for the solid minerals sector,” the group stated.

The Vanguard emphasized that Danfulani’s innovative approach would help revitalize the SMDF/PAGMI and urged the President to review the decision in favor of his leadership.

The Solid Minerals Development Fund and the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative are key components of Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy and boost non-oil revenue.

The debate over leadership comes as President Tinubu’s administration seeks to drive reforms in the critical solid minerals sector.