March 2025 – Zamfara State Government

Mar 11 2025

YOUR MANDATES ALIGN WITH MY ADMINISTRATION’S RESCUE AGENDA, ZAMFARA GOV. TELLS NORTHWEST DEV. COMMISSION

PRESS STATEMENT

YOUR MANDATES ALIGN WITH MY ADMINISTRATION’S RESCUE AGENDA, ZAMFARA GOV. TELLS NORTHWEST DEV. COMMISSION

Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal has expressed that the Northwest Development Commission’s mandates align with his administration’s six-point rescue agenda.

The governor hosted the management of the Northwest Development Commission for a courtesy visit at the council chamber in the government house, Gusau.

Last year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu scrapped the Niger Delta Development Ministry and the Ministry of Sports Development with the creation of the Ministry of Regional Development.

The newly created ministry is mandated to oversee all the regional development commissions, such as Niger Delta Development Commission, Northwest Development Commission, Southwest Development Commission, and Northeast Development Commission.

In his remark, Governor Dauda Lawal commended President Tinubu for establishing the Northwest Development Commission.

“When His Excellency, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, GCFR, assented to the bill establishing the Northwest Development Commission last year, I believe I was the happiest person in the country.

“Zamfara has been at the bottom of almost all developmental indices in the country and faces multi-faceted threats and challenges. With that in mind, I thank Mr. President again for this laudable initiative to revive the northwest region.”

Governor Lawal said that the visit by members of the commission presents an invaluable opportunity for collaboration in a shared vision to fast-track development in Zamfara state, one of the critical yet disadvantaged states in the northwest region.

“Your mandates align with my administration’s six-point rescue agenda: security, agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.

“I would like to assure you that we remain committed to working with your commission to ensure that you deliver on your mandate for the overall development of the Zamfara state and northwest, which forms the most prominent political block in the country. My administration will provide you with all the necessary support you may require to facilitate your activities in the state.

“On a final note, I welcome you to Zamfara State as I look forward to witnessing the immediate takeoff of your responsibilities in the state as outlined in your agenda, which include addressing insecurity and ecological issues, among others. I believe that addressing some of Zamfara’s challenges, especially insecurity – rooted in poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy, among others – will translate into peace, stability, and general development of the region and the country at large.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, Alhaji Lawan Isma’ila Abdullahi Yakawada, stated that Zamfara State feels like home to him due to his strong relationship with the governor and the people of the state.

“We are here for a courtesy visit to get acquainted. I told my colleagues that if it’s Zamfara, it’s easier for us than even Kaduna because I feel at home here.

“Your Excellency, this commission is your baby; fortunately, the Northwest is the biggest zone in the country. The challenges we face are vast. We have a 10-year development plan of what the zone intends to achieve.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
March 11, 2025

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Mar 6 2025

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL SWEARS IN NEW ZAMFARA HEAD OF SERVICE, 12 PERM. SECS, CREATES OFFICE FOR DONOR PROGRAMS

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL SWEARS IN NEW ZAMFARA HEAD OF SERVICE, 12 PERM. SECS, CREATES OFFICE FOR DONOR PROGRAMS

Governor Dauda Lawal has sworn in Yakubu Sani Haidara, mni, as the newly appointed head of the Civil Service of Zamfara State, along with 12 new permanent secretaries.

The swearing-in ceremony, which marks the beginning of the tenure of the new Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries, took place on Thursday in the old chamber of the government house in Gusau.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the Coordinator of Donor Activities and Programs office has also been established under the Executive Governor’s office.

The statement added that the newly created office will be headed by a Permanent Secretary, reporting directly to the governor. “The main role of the Permanent Secretary is coordinating all donor/ developmental partner activities and programs, in conjunction with implementing MDAs.”

In his speech at the swearing-in, Governor Lawal referred to the newly appointed Head of Service as a distinguished bureaucrat with an outstanding administrative career spanning over three decades.

“Your appointment is a recognition of your capacity and dedication to public service. This new role presents an opportunity to deploy your wealth of experience in repositioning the civil service towards greater efficiency, productivity, and purposeful service delivery.

“As the Head of Service, you are responsible for driving forward the current public service reforms initiated by this administration. These reforms aim to build a more effective and responsive system capable of meeting the needs and aspirations of the people of Zamfara State.

“You are entrusted with supervising the Permanent Secretaries and the entire civil service to ensure that government policies and programs are effectively formulated and implemented.”

The governor also noted that the Permanent Secretaries’ appointment results from a thorough and transparent process. This involved an intensive refresher course, written exams, oral interviews, and ICT-based tests, culminating in a professional assessment by the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN).

“The decision to reform the appointment processes of Permanent Secretaries in the state to conform with current standards of service and best practice is informed by our desire to entrench merit rather than arbitrariness and favoritism as a tool for career advancement in the state civil service.

“We believe that to reform the public service, which is the central institution of policy formulation and government implementation, competence and professionalism must be the topmost priority. Alhamdulillah, with this exercise, we have set the necessary standard to sustain In sha Allah.

“Having taken the oath of office as Permanent Secretaries of Zamfara State Government, you should understand that your roles are critical to the successful implementation of the objectives of our administration; I believe that by your intellects and proven capacities, you will rise to the occasion with diligence and a sense of responsibility.

“As the accounting officers in your respective ministries and posts, you are expected to align your actions with the six points agenda of this administration and ensure that every policy and program under your supervision contributes to 4 the realization of the objectives of our mission of delivering good governance to the people of Zamfara State.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
March 06, 2025

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Mar 6 2025

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL RECEIVES CHIEF OF AIR STAFF, COMMENDS AIR FORCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO COLLABORATION WITH TROOPS

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL RECEIVES CHIEF OF AIR STAFF, COMMENDS AIR FORCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO COLLABORATION WITH TROOPS

Governor Dauda Lawal has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to more collaboration with the troops operating in Zamfara State.

On Thursday, the governor hosted Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff, during his official visit to Zamfara.

The Air Force Chief visited Zamfara regarding the airstrike incident that resulted in the deaths of 11 civilians near Gidan Makera in the Zurmi local government area on January 11, 2025.

The civilian casualties were members of the local vigilante who were mistakenly identified as the bandits fleeing precision strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansar Yamma.

In his remark, Governor Dauda Lawal commended the Airforce’s timely response to distress calls in volatile areas across Zamfara State.

“I want to express my appreciation for the Chief of the Air Staff, who, before his visit today, sent a strong delegation led by one of the most senior officers from the headquarters to commiserate with us and the people of Zamfara. He sent a delegation to Zamfara on two separate occasions.

“I want to reiterate that when the incident occurred, we addressed the media, clarifying that it was not intentional but rather an accident. The presence of the Chief of Air Staff in Zamfara reflects exceptional professionalism and concern.

The governor noted that the Nigerian Air Force is crucial in combating banditry in Zamfara, Northwest, and the entire nation. “I appreciate the Chief of the Air Staff for the Air Force’s contributions. They promptly respond whenever we reach out.

“We are clear about our stance. We have made it known to every listening ear that we are not ready and will never negotiate with the bandits. You can all attest that our position is paying off, as we are beginning to see results with peace gradually returning to Zamfara.

“I would like to take this opportunity to inform the Air Marshal that we are constructing an airport in Zamfara. I appeal that once the airport is completed, we would like an Air Force hangar to ensure swift operations in the state.

“We will keep contacting you because we need the Air Force. We can’t thank you enough for making this visit. For us in Zamfara, it’s a significant morale booster that you traveled all the way from Abuja. From our side, I assure you that we will keep engaging with you and do everything possible to support the troops fighting banditry. I wish you a safe flight back to Abuja.”

Earlier, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, expressed appreciation to Governor Dauda Lawal for his cooperation in addressing the tragic situation of the accidental airstrike that occurred in Zamfara.

“You may recall that on January 11, 2025, airstrikes were carried out in Zamfara following an intelligence report of bandit activity in Gidan Makera in Maradun LGA. The area was targeted in pursuit of the terrorists associated with bandit Bello Turji. A few days after the strike, a news report claimed that the airstrike had mistakenly hit members of a vigilante group.

“Deeply concerned by the allegation, I immediately constituted a committee for a holistic assessment and investigation of the alleged strike. The fact-finding team has since submitted their report and findings, which confirmed that 11 members of the local vigilante were unintentionally killed.

“Our visit this morning is to express our sympathy to you, the families of the victims, and the good people of Zamfara regarding the tragic incident.”

The governor and the Chief of Air Staff held a private meeting with the families of the airstrike victims, along with 11 others who were injured.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
March 06, 2025

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Mar 5 2025

GOV. LAWAL INSPECTS ONGOING ZAMFARA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, ROADS, AND SCHOOL PROJECTS

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL INSPECTS ONGOING ZAMFARA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, ROADS, AND SCHOOL PROJECTS

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing construction of the Zamfara International Airport.

On Wednesday, the governor toured and evaluated the construction progress of the Zamfara airport, road projects, the state secretariat, and the renovations at several schools in Gusau, the state capital.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the on-site inspection began on Tuesday at General Hospital Gusau, which is undergoing a complete renovation and equipment upgrade.

The statement added that the inspection is part of Governor Dauda Lawal’s approach to ensuring the quality of work and timely delivery of projects across the state.

“On Tuesday, Governor Dauda Lawal commenced an inspection to evaluate the many ongoing projects initiated by his administration.

“The inspection began with General Hospital Gusau, one of the General Hospitals renovated, rehabilitated, and equipped across the 14 local government areas of the state.”

While inspecting the Zamfara International Airport project, Governor Lawal said his administration is constructing not just an ordinary airport but a modern facility that stands out by all standards.

“The governor expressed satisfaction with the progress of the work, which includes the runway and terminal building.

“Governor Lawal also inspected the ongoing Rawayya township road and the ongoing construction of the Old Market Road to Nasiha Chemist junction.

“Other ongoing projects inspected by Governor Dauda Lawal include the renovation of the second component of the JB Yakubu State Secretariat, the Zamfara College of Arts and Sciences (ZACAS), and the Government Science Secondary School.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
March 05, 2025

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