July 2025 – Zamfara State Government

Jul 10 2025

GOV. LAWAL LAUNCHES ZAMFARA SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME, COMMITS TO CURBING NUMBER OF OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL LAUNCHES ZAMFARA SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME, COMMITS TO CURBING NUMBER OF OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN

Governor Dauda Lawal has restated his administration’s commitment to addressing the issue of the growing number of out-of-school children in Zamfara State.

The governor launched the Zamfara State Pilot School Feeding Program on Thursday at Dan-turai Primary School in Gusau, the state capital.

A statement by the spokesperson of Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the school feeding program will enable pupils to access, enrol, retain, complete, and transition to higher levels of education.

In his remarks, Governor Lawal noted that the flag-off signifies his administration’s strong commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to implement various strategies to increase school enrollment in Zamfara State.

He said, “Our commitment to reform includes initiatives to combat sector decay and foster partnerships, such as with the World Bank through the AGILE programme and with UNICEF. Recently, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, in collaboration with UNICEF, formed a Technical Committee of agency heads and stakeholders to visit 14 Local Governments, identify out-of-school children, and facilitate their reintegration into schools.

“The school feeding program, which we are flagging off today, is part of the emergency response initiatives to promote enrollment and retention of pupils in schools while fighting hunger and malnutrition. This is in addition to our engagement efforts with two other NGOs, the International Center for Economic Development and FINPACT Development Foundation, which have agreed to support the state in implementing a pilot program to serve as a learning ground for program implementers and the State government.

“In more specific terms, FINPACT Development Foundation will sponsor the feeding of 1000 pupils in Gusau, Maru, Anka, and Talatar Mafara, while the International Center for Economic Development is sponsoring the feeding of 3300 across Gusau, Talatar Mafara, and Shinkafi.

“I charge all relevant stakeholders and other donor agencies to explore more ways of providing more activities and programmes. This will not only enhance our commitment to the provision of quality and inclusive education, but it will reduce to the barest minimum the menace of out-of-school children, so that together we can make our State a shining example.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
July 10, 2025

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Jul 9 2025

GOV. LAWAL DISTRIBUTES 59,205 BAGS OF FERTILIZERS TO FARMERS, SAYS AGRICULTURE IS ZAMFARA’S ECONOMIC LIFEBLOOD

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL DISTRIBUTES 59,205 BAGS OF FERTILIZERS TO FARMERS, SAYS AGRICULTURE IS ZAMFARA’S ECONOMIC LIFEBLOOD

Governor Dauda Lawal has reiterated that agriculture remains the lifeblood of Zamfara State’s economy.

On Wednesday, the governor flagged off the distribution of 2025 farm inputs for the wet season and commissioned the new Fadama house, held at the Ministry of Agriculture in Gusau.

A statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that 98 fertilizer trucks were launched for onward distribution to farmers for wet season farming.

The statement added that other assets distributed include 34,800 kg of rice seeds, 80,000 kg of maize seeds, 23,740 liters of herbicides, 11,735 liters of insecticides, and 23,470 sachets of seed dressing chemicals.

During the flag-off address, Governor Lawal highlighted that distributing free fertilizers reflects his administration’s ongoing commitment to transforming Zamfara State through sustainable agriculture and rural development.

He said, “Agriculture remains the lifeblood of our state’s economy. It is not just a sector, but it is the very identity of our people.

“Our administration has embraced the slogan “Farming is Our Pride”. It speaks to the core of who we are and what we must prioritize as a people. Over 85% of our population relies on agriculture for survival. It is our duty, and indeed our moral obligation, to support and empower them.

“This administration views agriculture as a strategic driver of food security, job creation, poverty reduction, and inclusive economic growth. That is why we are implementing an Agricultural Transformation Plan, tailored to the peculiar needs of our communities and aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 2, which seeks to end hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

“Despite climate change challenges and the late 2025 rainy season, we remain focused. Our government proactively supports farmers with necessary tools and resourcesneed to increase production and earnings. We invest in seeds, fertilizers, systems, technology, and human capital to achieve long-term impact.

“Our inclusive vision emphasizes women, youth, and individuals with special needs as agents of transformation, not just participants. We’ve digitized our distribution process to eliminate diversion, enhance transparency, and ensure support reaches the right farmer at the right time.

“We recognize farmers face hurdles like limited access to inputs, financing, market uncertainties, post-harvest losses, and climate change effects. But we’re actively confronting these issues.

“Through integrated and scalable interventions, we are building a value-chain approach that supports our farmers from planting to post-harvest. We are promoting mechanization, strengthening extension services, and creating access to agro-processing and markets.

“Let me take a moment to speak directly to the beneficiaries of this year’s program. These inputs are not intended for sale. They are not commodities to be traded for quick gain. They are tools of productivity, investments in your future and the future of Zamfara. Use them wisely, use them responsibly, and let them serve as a foundation for increased harvest and improved livelihood.

“Distinguished guests, brothers and sisters, it is now my honour and privilege to formally flag off the 2025 Wet Season Farm Inputs Distribution, which will benefit 59,205 smallholder farmers across our state.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
July 09, 2025

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Jul 8 2025

I’VE PAID N13.6 BILLION BACKLOG OF INHERITED GRATUITY OWED TO ZAMFARA RETIREES SINCE 2011, SAYS GOV. LAWAL

PRESS STATEMENT

I’VE PAID N13.6 BILLION BACKLOG OF INHERITED GRATUITY OWED TO ZAMFARA RETIREES SINCE 2011, SAYS GOV. LAWAL

Governor Dauda Lawal expressed satisfaction in paying N13,944,039,204.64 in gratuities owed to Zamfara pensioners from 2011 to 2023.

On Tuesday, the governor inaugurated the Contributory Pension Implementation Committee and received a report from the Joint Committees on the payment of the backlog of gratuities at the Government House in Gusau.

A statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that clearing the backlog of unpaid gratuities and pensions accumulated from 2011 to 2023 is one of the key achievements of the administration.

The statement added that 3,824 beneficiaries from the State Service received N7,960,162,598.64, while 4,833 from the Unified Local Government Service were verified and paid N5,983,876,606 in backlog gratuities. In total, N13,944,039,204.64 was distributed as inherited gratuities.

Governor Lawal, after receiving the report, said that his government prioritized settling the rights and benefits of civil servants, especially those who had retired after 35 years of service and reached the age of 60.

“Our administration inherited over 13 billion Naira in unpaid gratuities for State and Local Government retirees from 2011 to 2023. The delays have caused hardship, and some retirees have died waiting for their benefits. May their souls rest in peace.

“To address this injustice, we formed two committees to review and recommend payment of all outstanding gratuities for State and Local Government retirees. When we assumed Office two years ago, despite economic and social challenges, we paid three months’ unpaid salaries and allowances to civil and public servants. We also settled unpaid allowances for Judges and Judiciary Staff for years.

“We are now up to date on all these. When we came in, the minimum wage in the state was only N7,000.00. The N30,000 minimum wage, which was passed into law in 2019, was never implemented by the previous government. Cognizant of our responsibility and duty to the state, we implemented the N30,000.00 minimum wage.

“Upon reviewing the minimum wage, which increased from N30,000 to N70,000.00 in July 2024, we implemented the review after all due processes. Effectively, during my two years of administration, we increased the minimum wage in the state from N7,000.00 to N70,000.00.

“Furthermore, we introduced and implemented Sallah Bonuses and an end-of-year productivity bonus, also known as the 13th month salary, for all Civil and Public Servants and Public Office Holders. This had never been done in the state’s history.

“The backlog of gratuity payments has boosted Public Servants’ confidence and restored public trust in governance. We will continue to ensure prompt retirement benefits. To do so, the state government is ready to partner with regulated pension fund organizations aligned with our new reforms.

“As I receive this report, I wish to acknowledge and commend the effort and commitment of the Committee members. This was not an easy task. I am aware of the challenges faced by the members during the exercise and applaud their tenacity and determination.”

While inaugurating the Contributory Pension Implementation Committee, the governor reiterated that his administration will ensure reforms in the Pension administration of State and Local Governments.

“My administration has constituted a committee to review the previous activities of pension administration in the State. The Committee has completed its assignment and made recommendations on the way forward. Part of the recommendations was to constitute the Contributory Pension Implementation Committee, which will, among other things.

“To liaise with the Ministry of Justice, the State Pension Commission, and all relevant stakeholders to review and update the Zamfara State Pension Law for passage by the State Assembly as soon as possible.

“To liaise with ZITDA to assess the ICT needs and staff training requirements of the Commission for immediate implementation; and, c. to produce a suitable transition strategy, period, and cutover date from the present pension scheme to a Contributory Pension Scheme. This should include step-by-step implementation strategies to ensure strict compliance among all stakeholders, facilitating a successful rollout of the new scheme.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
July 07, 2025

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Jul 7 2025

Announcement: List of Successful Candidates – NCC 4G/5G Technical Training Program (Batch 1)

The Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency (ZITDA) is pleased to announce the release of the list of successful candidates for Batch 1 of the NCC 4G/5G Technical Training Program.

Following the shortlisting of prospective applicants, the recently conducted assessment test and screening exercise, candidates who have been successfully selected for the first batch will be contacted via their registered email addresses with details on the commencement date, training logistics, and next steps.

Abdulrahman Hassan Bungudu
Muhsinu Muazu Shinkafi
Sa’eed Jamila Ismail Maradun
Musayyibu Aliyu Bungudu
Ibrahim Kasimu Maru
Mukhtar Hamisu Bungudu
Zahardin Abubakar Gummi
Salisu Isah Gusau
Ahmad Mahmud Gusau
Abdullahi Badamasi Bukkuyum
Ibrahim Abdulrashid Tsafe
Asiya Sanusi Kubbaniya Talata Mafara
Idris Abdulrahman Gusau
Aliyu Abdulkadir Zurmi
Sani Saudatu Umar

We congratulate all successful applicants and look forward to your active participation in this transformational program.

Kindly direct all enquiries to: [zitda@zamfara.gov.ng]

Together, we are building a digitally skilled Zamfara.

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Jul 2 2025

REA STRATEGIC ROUNDTABLE: ZAMFARA IS A PRIME LOCATION FOR SOLAR FARMS, SAYS GOV. LAWAL

PRESS STATEMENT

REA STRATEGIC ROUNDTABLE: ZAMFARA IS A PRIME LOCATION FOR SOLAR FARMS, SAYS GOV. LAWAL

Governor Dauda Lawal highlighted that Zamfara State benefits from intense sunlight throughout the year, positioning it as an ideal site for solar farms, mini-grids, and autonomous power systems.

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) held its Zamfara State strategic roundtable in Abuja on Wednesday, bringing together energy sector stakeholders as part of its continued state-by-state strategic meetings.

A statement by the Zamfara State Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the roundtable focused on revitalizing the Zamfara electricity sector to promote social justice, strategic development, and innovation via renewable energy.

The statement noted that during the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Zamfara State Government and the Rural Electrification Agency, followed by stakeholder discussions, questions and answers, feedback, and commitments.

In his remark, Governor Lawal said he inherited a government gripped by widespread energy poverty.

He said, “Many Local Government Areas were disconnected from the national grid. Public utilities were decayed, vandalized, or non-functional. Critical infrastructure had collapsed under years of neglect, and our industrial and commercial centers were crippled by unreliable power supply.

“However, we chose not to wallow in the blame game. Instead, we intentionally responded to the challenges we met with strategic vision, unwavering resolve, and decisive action.

“Since then, our administration has embarked on a mission to rewrite that narrative by placing energy access at the heart of our development strategy. We launched one of the country’s most ambitious State-led transformer deployment programs, installing more than 150 units across urban and rural communities.

“In collaboration with Kaduna Electric, we restored power to six local government areas and are reconnecting seven more, some of which have been without power for over a decade. These efforts are part of a plan to expand access, stimulate enterprise, and unlock private sector investment.”

Governor Lawal said Zamfara offers compelling advantages for renewable energy investment. “We are blessed with high-intensity year-round sunlight, making us a prime location for solar farms, mini-grids, and standalone systems.

“Coupled with this is the immense potential of the Bakalori Dam, a largely untapped hydropower asset with an irrigation command area of over 30,000 hectares. This synergy of solar and hydro presents an opportunity to deploy hybrid energy solutions that can sustainably power semi-urban and rural clusters.

“Our agricultural sector is another strong anchor. Zamfara is consistently ranked among Nigeria’s top millet, sorghum, soybeans, and groundnuts producers. We are repositioning this sector through improved inputs, mechanized systems, and irrigation rehabilitation.

“Yet, what is lacking—and what renewable energy can provide—is the critical power infrastructure needed for agro-processing, cold-chain storage, and value addition at the source. Energy is the missing link that can transform our agrarian communities into engines of rural industrialization.

“Our infrastructure renewal is exemplified by the nearly complete Gusau International and Cargo Airport, envisioned as a gateway for passengers, trade, logistics, and investments.

“To realize our green vision, we aim for this facility to be Nigeria’s first airport powered by at least 50% renewable energy, offering RESCOs a chance to lead in sustainable aviation.”

Earlier, the Managing Director of the REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, assured Governor Lawal of the agency’s commitment to deploying electricity infrastructure in Zamfara State.

“For the first time in the history of Nigeria, mapping the entire country has been done, and it shows the number and location of the people who do not have electricity. The nature of their community and their electricity demand. This helps the RESCOs, the finances, and the state government develop a strategy for channeling efforts to ensure that these people have electricity.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
July 02, 2025

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