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ZAMFARA HAS COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE IN AGRICULTURE, SAYS GOV. LAWAL AT AFRICA INVESTMENT FORUM IN MOROCCO

PRESS STATEMENT

ZAMFARA HAS COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE IN AGRICULTURE, SAYS GOV. LAWAL AT AFRICA INVESTMENT FORUM IN MOROCCO

-Signs Strategic MoU

Governor Dauda Lawal reiterated to global investors that Zamfara State holds a comparative advantage in Agriculture.

The Governor participated in the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days 2025, held from November 26 to 28, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the Africa Investment Forum Market Days effectively united African investors, facilitated deal negotiations, and supported investment realization across the continent.

The statement added that the summit, led by the African Development Bank in partnership with six founding institutions, positions the Africa Investment Forum as a strategic and multidisciplinary platform designed to streamline and accelerate the financing and structuring of projects for Africa.

During the summit, Governor Lawal participated in high-level dialogues on enhancing private investment through enabling environments, a panel on scaling investments through public-private partnerships, and a session on mobilizing domestic capital to drive Africa’s growth.

“Other activities undertaken by Governor Dauda Lawal on the sidelines of the Africa Investment Forum Market Days in Rabat, Morocco, include signing a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Zamfara State Government and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) to promote large-scale agricultural transformation in the state.

“The agreement positions Zamfara State as a key beneficiary of the INTEGRANIUM Agricultural Transformation Initiative, a national programme focused on mechanized farming, agro-processing, post-harvest systems, and global market access.

“Under the MoU, Zamfara State will provide land, infrastructure, security, and an enabling policy environment, while MoFI will lead financing mobilization, investor engagement, and project development support.

“The partnership is expected to deliver jobs, boost food security, strengthen value chains, and accelerate inclusive economic growth in Zamfara and the wider North-West region.”

In his remarks at a roundtable with investors, Governor Lawal described Zamfara State as an agricultural hub, noting that the state is experiencing rapid progress across all sectors under his administration.

He said, “I am glad that the African Development Bank is here with other leading global potential investors. Agriculture is the way forward for Africa, Nigeria, and Zamfara State in particular, due to the many opportunities available.

“In Zamfara State, our comparative advantage is Agriculture. We grow all crops in the state; we are not limited to soybeans. We have the land, and it is fertile.

“I am inviting all global investors to come to Zamfara. We are in the final stages of finishing our international cargo airport, building a five-star hotel, and undertaking extensive urban renewal projects in Zamfara State.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
November 29, 2025

ZAMFARA GOVERNOR IN TINUBU’S DELEGATION TO G20 MEETING IN SOUTH AFRICA

PRESS STATEMENT

ZAMFARA GOVERNOR IN TINUBU’S DELEGATION TO G20 MEETING IN SOUTH AFRICA

Governor Dauda Lawal has been selected to accompany President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the 20th Heads of State and Government Summit of the Group of 20 (G20) in South Africa.

The summit, scheduled for November 22nd and 23rd, will include six Nigerian Governors as part of the President’s delegation.

A statement by the Zamfara Governor’s Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that all G20 member states will be represented at the summit.

The statement also noted that the gathering will feature 16 guest countries and six countries representing regional economic communities from Africa, the Caribbean, and East Asia.

The statement said: “Governor Dauda Lawal has been selected as a member of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s delegation for the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“Other governors in the delegation include those from Osun State, Plateau State, Gombe State, Katsina State, Niger State, Enugu State, and Nasarawa State.

“The leaders’ summit is the culmination of the G20 process, reflecting all the work done throughout the year through Ministerial Meetings, Working Groups, and Engagement Groups.

“Furthermore, the G20 meeting in South Africa will have three sessions during the two-day summit.

“Discussions will cover a wide range of issues, including trade, development finance, the global debt challenge, climate change, food systems, the just transition, critical minerals, decent work, and artificial intelligence contributions.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
November 18, 2025

WE WILL CONTINUE SUPPORTING POLICE TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY IN ZAMFARA -GOV. LAWAL

PRESS STATEMENT

WE WILL CONTINUE SUPPORTING POLICE TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY IN ZAMFARA -GOV. LAWAL

Governor Dauda Lawal has restated his administration’s commitment to supporting police operations in Zamfara State.

The governor received the Executive Secretary of the Police Trust Fund (NPTF) on a courtesy visit at the Government House in Gusau on Monday.

A statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the Executive Secretary and his team were in Zamfara to inspect the newly constructed special forces barracks by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund.

While receiving the team, Governor Lawal assured them of his administration’s willingness to collaborate in improving the welfare and well-being of the police.

He said, “My administration is making a conscious effort to ensure the welfare of the police is guaranteed. That is why we are currently renovating the Zamfara police headquarters.

“We are also constructing some structures at the Zamfara Mobile Command. We have achieved a lot there, and we plan to do more.

“I am pleased that the Executive Secretary mentioned the police housing estate. If you examine the condition of the police barracks, you will see that it is quite unfortunate.

“I was part of the Presidential Committee on police reform. We were chosen by the National Economic Council (NEC) to inspect facilities at the police colleges and the Police Staff College. Last week, the governors of Nasarawa, Taraba, and I traveled to Kaduna, Plateau, and Borno for this purpose.

“It is heartbreaking when you see the state of the police and still expect them to perform miracles. Honestly, I am one of those advocating for a complete overhaul of police welfare if we genuinely want them to operate effectively. It’s just a matter of time before this happens.

“I am glad the Commissioner for Housing is here with us, as we need to start work on land issues now. We will identify suitable land to be transferred to the Police Trust Fund so they can move forward with the police housing estate project. We will provide the land immediately.”

Earlier, Mohammed F. Sheidu, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, praised Governor Lawal’s cooperation and support for the police, especially regarding their welfare and infrastructure projects in Zamfara State.

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

GOV. LAWAL RECEIVES MANAGEMENT OF FED. UNI. OF MEDICAL SCIENCES AND HEALTH TECH. TSAFE, ASSURES CONTINUED SUPPORT

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL RECEIVES MANAGEMENT OF FED. UNI. OF MEDICAL SCIENCES AND HEALTH TECH. TSAFE, ASSURES CONTINUED SUPPORT

Governor Dauda Lawal has pledged ongoing support for the newly established Federal University of Medical Sciences and Health Technology, Tsafe.

On Monday, Vice Chancellor Professor Ibrahim Yakasai and the university’s management team paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Gusau.

The governor, welcoming the management team, stated that his administration had declared a state of emergency in education and health to demonstrate its commitment to revitalizing these two sectors.

He said, “I want to welcome you to the Zamfara State Government House. This is the first time we are meeting officially to discuss the newly established university.

“As you are aware, my administration declared two states of emergency: emergency on education and health. This new university combines the two; despite being a school, it focuses on medical sciences. Of course, health is an important sector that we value and are eager to revive. So, you are welcome here.

“The good thing is that we have approximately four hectares of land, which is enough for any project we want to undertake to improve the university. My administration has invested over 8 billion naira in the school.

“As a responsible administration, we will do everything possible to ensure you have what you need for a smooth start. I believe in forming a united team to enable a seamless transition, especially since some students are already there. We need to consider this carefully and execute the process correctly.

“Be assured that my government is committed to supporting the university fully. We will continue to seek additional funds, and everyone is united in this effort, standing by you.

Earlier, Professor Ibrahim Yakasai, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Medical Sciences and Health Technology Tsafe, praised Governor Lawal for his efforts to revive the education and health sectors in Zamfara state.

He said, “I want to commend you for declaring a state of emergency in education. Education is the backbone of development. I have gone around the hospitals in Zamfara and seen what you have achieved; you have the capacity, the will, and passion to make this university a success.”

“I was in America the last time, and they did mention your name. I know you have gone a long way in trying to make Zamfara better. This university stands alone as the first and only university offering health sciences and medical technology. Our biggest issue in Nigeria is the lack of access to sophisticated medical equipment, but now the university is here to fill that gap.

“The the university needs your support. Most importantly, we want to take off. I have visited the school and seen the renovation work that has been done. We currently don’t have any challenges. I firmly believe that you will provide us with 100% support. This is your university, and together we will take it to greater heights.”

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

Zamfara’s fiscal performance ranking jumps to 17th from 36th position in two years under Governor Lawal – BudgIT

Zamfara’s fiscal performance ranking jumps to 17th from 36th position in two years under Governor Lawal – BudgIT

According to a BudgIT report, Zamfara State’s fiscal performance has improved significantly, rising from 36th position in 2023 to 17th position in 2025 under the leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal.

This was revealed in the organization’s 2025 State of States ranking released this week.

The report stated that Zamfara’s fiscal performance improved by 13 places, rising to 17th position in the latest ranking after being placed 26th in 2024.

The state was ranked 36th in 2023 when Governor Lawal took over.

The state’s recurrent revenue increased by 182.34% from N87.44bn in 2023 to N246.88bn in 2024, while its total revenue had a year-on-year growth of 117.68%, moving from N144.95bn to N315.53bn. When IGR is compared to total revenue, the state’s IGR in 2024 is at 10.31% of the total revenue.

The report said that the positive fiscal performance index ranking means that Zamfara is one of the few states that “have comparatively limited dependence on federally distributed revenue for their operations and thus have greater viability if they were to theoretically exist as an independent entity.”

BudgIT is a civic organisation that uses creative technology to simplify public information, stimulating a community of active citizens and enabling their right to demand accountability, institutional reforms, efficient service delivery and an equitable society.

The report stated that the state recorded improvements in its IGR index. ‘Looking closely at the state’s IGR, Zamfara brought in N25.46bn in 2024, just 14.86% higher than the N22.16bn in 2023. In 2024, Zamfara’s IGR ranked 25th among the 36 states in the federation.”

The Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenue, one of Zamfara’s sources of income, “increased by 239.18% from N65.28bn in 2023 to N221.42bn in 2024.”

BudgIT explained “the IGR per capita stood at N4,364 as of the end of 2024,” adding that the state has managed to improve on its IGR moving from a record of N2.74 billion in 2015 to N25.46 billion in 2024 under Governor Lawal.

The state’s tax revenue

Zamfara’s non-tax revenue declined by 71.31% from N3.73 billion in 2021 to N1.07 billion in 2022, but “increased by 593.46% in 2023, with a record of N7.42 billion, and further increased to N12.91bn in 2024 under the Lawal’s administration, the report said.

Breaking down some components of its non-tax revenue, licences rose by 25.30% from N18.18 million in 2021 to N22.78 million in 2022, and grew by 5921.47% and 44.53% in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

Revenue earned from fees decreased by 93.90% between 2021 and 2022 and increased by 3610.57% and 88.24% in 2023 and 2024, moving from N82.44mn in 2022 to N3.06bn in 2023 and N5.76bn in 2024. Fines declined by 78.15% in Zamfara.

The BudgIT report also explained that “There were notable changes in the state’s health and education spending between 2022 and 2024. While health sector spending and spending per capita increased over the years, its spending performance declined significantly. With a spending of N4.29bn in 2022, it increased to N5.74bn in 2023 and further increased to N11.88bn in 2024.”

It said the spending per capita went from N785 in 2022 to N1,017 and N2,037 in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

 END