MAMMOTH CROWD WELCOMES GOV. LAWAL IN A HISTORIC VISIT TO DANSADAU
A mammoth crowd thronged major communities leading to Dansadau town to give Governor Dauda Lawal a rousing welcome.
On Wednesday, the governor visited the Dansadau community in Maru Local Government Area.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the last time a Zamfara governor visited the Dansadau Community was over 20 years ago, during the tenure of former Governor Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura.
The statement also noted that Dansadau, being the largest ward in the Maru Local Government Area, has been neglected for years by previous state administrations.
During the visit, Governor Lawal passed through the Wanke community, Magami, and Dan Gulbi, among others.
The governor inspected the ongoing construction of the 108-kilometre Gusau to Dansadau Road, which was awarded by his administration.
Governor Lawal was conferred with the traditional title of Garkuwan Dansadau by the Emir of Dansadau, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Garba Mohammed Sarkin Kudu.
The decision to visit Dansadau is part of Governor Lawal’s commitment to bringing development to the communities at the grassroots level.
The governor’s visit to Dansadau and the warm reception he received demonstrated the growing support of the people for the state government, driven by its many development initiatives under the Zamfara Rescue Mission.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor December 17, 2025
EUROPEAN UNION AMBASSADOR VISITS ZAMFARA AS GOV. LAWAL LAUNCHES EU PEACE PROJECT
Governor Dauda Lawal launched a €5.1 million European Union-funded project aimed at strengthening peace, stability, and resilience in conflict-affected communities in Zamfara.
The governor launched the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response, and Resilience (CPCRR) project on Monday at the Rescue Hall, Government House, Gusau.
A statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the European Union Ambassador, Mr. Gautier Mignot, was present at the launch of the 18-month CPCRR project.
The statement added that others on the ambassador’s entourage include the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission, Dimanche Sharon, and the IOM Head of Sub Africa (NW), Jean Nahesi Katumbakana.
“The project is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with Mercy Corps and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
“The project builds on earlier EU-supported peace and reconciliation efforts and aims to directly support over 95,000 beneficiaries, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, host communities, women, and youth in ten local government areas (eight in Katsina and two in Zamfara).”
During his remarks at the launch, Governor Lawal emphasized that the importance of the peace project extends beyond policy papers and program schedules. “It directly relates to the everyday realities of our people and reflects our shared commitment to creating a more stable, united, and strong society.
“I warmly welcome the delegation of the European Union, ably led by His Excellency, Ambassador Gautier Mignot; our partners from the International Organization for Migration; representatives of implementing organizations; our revered traditional rulers; civil society leaders; and all distinguished guests.
“Since this administration began, we’ve aimed to address insecurity clearly and comprehensively. Recognizing that lasting peace relies on addressing root causes such as exclusion, economic vulnerability, weak institutions, and eroded community trust, we’ve focused on these issues to inform our policies and partnerships.
This intervention complements the Zamfara State Government’s efforts to strengthen local peace, revitalize livelihoods for youth and women, improve coordination across ministries and agencies, and support community dialogue mechanisms. These efforts are driven by the belief that security, development, and good governance mutually reinforce one another and must progress in tandem.
“On behalf of Zamfara State’s government and people, I thank the European Union for its continued partnership. I also commend the International Organization for Migration, CDD, and Mercy Corps for their expertise and collaborative spirit. Your investment at this critical time shows confidence in our reform efforts and shared hope for lasting stability.
“Peace-building is a collective undertaking. It demands commitment from every segment of society and sustained cooperation among partners.
“It is therefore my honour to formally flag off the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience Project in Zamfara.”
Earlier, the European Union Ambassador, Mr. Gautier Mignot, commended Governor Lawal’s dedication and support to development partners in his effort to ensure a better Zamfara State.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor December 16, 2025
GOVERNOR LAWAL PRESIDES OVER 58TH STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING — ZAMFARA GOV’T
Governor Dauda Lawal has presided over 58 sessions of the Zamfara State Executive Council meetings since taking office in 2023.
On Monday, the governor presided over the 58th session of the State Executive Council at the council chamber in Government House, Gusau.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that Governor Lawal has chaired 23 sessions of the Executive Council in 2025.
He also noted that, besides discussing important development issues, each meeting resulted in approval of projects that benefit the people of Zamfara.
The statement read in parts: “For the first time in Zamfara State’s history, the government under Governor Dauda Lawal has reached a milestone by holding 58 Executive Council meetings, the highest decision-making body in the state.
“The Executive Council’s discussions are central to approving projects, making decisions, and adopting policies, including the 10th-year State Development Plan.
“Since his swearing-in in May 2023, Governor Lawal has actively led the council, chairing 13 sessions in 2023 and 22 councils in 2024.
“This year alone, Governor Lawal has presided over 23 council sessions, leading to numerous approvals that have positively impacted sectors like education, health, infrastructure, the economy, and security in Zamfara State.
“Overall, Governor Lawal has chaired 58 Executive Council sessions.
“Approved legacy projects by the Zamfara Executive Council are either completed or underway.
“Notable projects include the nearly finished Cargo International Airport and the reconstruction and equipment installation in all general hospitals across the 14 local government areas.
“More projects include building, renovating, and equipping over 500 schools across the state, and the construction of township roads in the capital and other local government areas.
“These council meetings have yielded positive community benefits, reflecting visible development all over Zamfara.
“With the 58th session of the council held today, Governor Lawal has distinguished himself among his peers as the governor with the most Executive Council meetings in the last two and a half years.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor December 15, 2025
Primary Health Care: Zamfara Ranks Best In North West
Zamfara State has emerged as the best-performing state in the North West Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge.
Zamfara was announced the winner of the PHC Leadership Challenge during an award night held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre on Friday.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that in 2022, the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) launched the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge, pledging to build a health system that delivers quality care regardless of geography or circumstance.
The statement noted that the PHC Leadership Challenge Fund intends to promote sustainable healthcare financing and motivates Nigeria’s 36 states to compete in enhancing their primary healthcare services.
“Zamfara state has won 500,000 USD as the best performing state in the North West zone in the Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge.
“The award presented to Governor Dauda Lawal is a joint project of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the Dangote Foundation, and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA).
“This clearly demonstrates that Governor Lawal’s declaration of a state of emergency in the Zamfara health sector is producing the intended positive outcomes.
“Zamfara and other leading states from North East, North Central, South East, South South, and South West shared a total of $6.1 million through the third edition of the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Awards.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor December 13, 2025
President Tinubu Presents National Excellence Award To Gov. Lawal
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has presented the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) 2025 in Governance and Security Reform to Zamfara Governor, Dauda Lawal.
The President was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the NEAPS 2025 award dinner held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the event was organized by The Best Strategic Media (TBS) in partnership with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The statement added that NEAPS, founded in 2022, aims to recognize individuals who have made sustained positive contributions across the country.
The statement read in parts, “Governor Lawal was recognized by the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) 2025 for the reforms his administration introduced across various sectors in Zamfara.
“The administration of Governor Lawal has brought sanity to the Zamfara State Civil Service, prioritizing the welfare of civil servants and ensuring that retirees receive their retirement benefits.”
“While presenting the NEAPS award to Governor Lawal, his efforts in two years in office to settle over 15 billion naira in a 13-year backlog of gratuities for Zamfara State retired civil servants were highlighted. The notable increase in workers’ minimum wage from N7,000 to N70,000, his administration’s gesture of giving a 13th-month salary to workers, and other incentives were also mentioned.”
“Additional accomplishments listed by NEAPS include Governor Lawal’s urban renewal projects, the reconstruction, renovation, and equipping of over 500 public schools across the state, as well as his progress in the health sector, such as the complete renovation and equipping of all general hospitals.
“NEAPS also cited Governor Lawal’s efforts in security, which include establishing the Community Protection Guards, providing operational vehicles to security personnel, fueling troops’ vehicles, acquiring security equipment, and offering regular support to security forces.”
“This national award will motivate the governor to continue his relentless efforts to rescue and rebuild Zamfara State.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor December 08, 2025
GOV. LAWAL LAUNCHES ZAMFARA STATE 10-YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Governor Dauda Lawal described the State Development Plan (2025 to 2034) as a long-term, evidence-based roadmap that reflects the people’s aspirations and collective goal to transform the State.
The governor launched the 10-year development plan at the JB Yakubu Secretariat in Gusau on Friday.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the state government has engaged KPMG advisory as the lead consultant to develop the plan.
The statement further noted that KPMG collaborated closely with Zamfara Executive Council members and all stakeholders, including traditional rulers and religious leaders, over a period of eight months to develop the 10-year development plan.
At the unveiling, Governor Lawal stressed that the development Plan is the first comprehensive long-term plan in the State’s recent history.
He said, “The development plan is built on robust data, wide stakeholder engagement, and alignment with national and global development frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nigeria’s National Development Plan 2050, and the African Union Agenda 2063.
“It sets clear sectoral priorities, measurable outcomes, and a monitoring and evaluation framework that ensures transparency at every stage of implementation.
“In this State Development Plan, we envision Zamfara becoming a benchmark for transformative economic growth– not merely for Nigeria, but the continent of Africa.
“We will use resources, innovation, and governance to promote inclusive growth, stability, and opportunity. The Plan is built on six pillars: Economy; Infrastructure; Social Welfare; Human Capital; Governance; and Environmental Sustainability.
“Zamfara’s strength in agriculture and natural resources will be maximized through partnerships like the MoFI agreement and African Development Bank funding. This aims to boost mechanized farming, agro-processing, and value chains, creating jobs, improving food security, opening markets, and reducing poverty-driven insecurity.”
Governor Lawal emphasized that Zamfara stands on a favorable pedestal. “With the State Development Plan, we are not merely dreaming- we are preparing to deliver. We are redefining the fate of our state. We are rekindling hope for the young, dignity for the vulnerable, opportunity for the enterprising, and stability for all.
“Let the launch of the Zamfara State Development Plan 2025-2034 mark not a mere political ambition, but a turning point in the history of our state. Let it be said that when Zamfara was at its lowest, we rose not with rhetoric, but with resolve. Not with empty promises, but with purposeful plans. Not with despair, but with vision.
“Distingushed ladies and gentlemen, my dear people of Zamfara State, With firm faith in Almighty Allah, confidence in the resilience of our people, and a firm commitment to the principles we have outlined today, In the name of Allah the Most Merciful, it is my honour responsibility and privilege, to launch the Zamfara State Development Plan 2025- 2034 for our today and for our tomorrow.”
Earlier, remarks were made by the Secretary to the State Government, Mallam Abubakar Nakwada; the Chief of Staff, Mukhtar Lugga; and the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor December 05, 2025
GOV. LAWAL PRESENTS N861 BILLION BUDGET OF ‘STABILITY AND GROWTH’ TO ZAMFARA ASSEMBLY
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal presented a proposed N861 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, saying that it serves as a roadmap for transformation and a declaration that Zamfara State will rise stronger.
The budget proposal was presented to the Zamfara State House of Assembly on Thursday in Gusau.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the 2026 proposal has a capital expenditure of N714 billion, which accounts for 83% of the budget.
The statement also noted that the proposal has a recurrent expenditure of 147,279,945,000.00, which accounts for 17% of the budget.
“The Zamfara budget proposal allocates N65 billion for education, N87 billion for health, N86 billion for agriculture, N45 billion for public order and safety, N22 billion for environmental protection, and N17 billion for social protection.”
In his remarks at the presentation, Governor Lawal reiterated that as a government elected on the promise of rescue, reform, and revival, his administration has worked tirelessly to restore trust in public institutions, rebuild critical sectors, and lay a strong foundation for sustainable progress.
He said, “The people of Zamfara State, who once despaired under neglect, now see visible light, progress, accountability, and renewed direction. The 2026 Budget of Stability and Growth represents the next chapter in this journey.
“It is not merely a financial plan; it is a political commitment to entrench stability in governance and accelerate the growth our citizens yearn for, for it is crafted to deepen the gains achieved through our Six-Point Rescue Agenda; strengthening the security architecture, moderninzing agriculture for food security and prosperity, upgrading the healthcare system for every community, expanding access to quality education, accelerating infrastructural renewal, and empowering our youth, women and vulnerable populations. This Budget prioritizes inclusive development so that no ward, village, or community is left behind.
“Mr. Speaker, the 2026 Budget of Stability and Growth proposal reflects a politically strategic shift that aligns with the administration’s rescue agenda under my leadership. Our 2026 recurrent expenditure proposal of One Hundred and Forty Seven Billion Two Hundred and Seventy Nine Million Nine Hundred and Forty Five Thousand takes 17% of the proposed budget. It clearly demonstrates fiscal discipline and a responsible approach to public spending. It has ensured that personnel costs and other operational obligations are met without compromising our broader developmental agenda.
“When compared with the international public finance standard, which recommends that subnational governments’ recurrent spending remains at or below 60% of the total expenditure, Zamfara stands well within the acceptable boundaries. This is evidence that our financial management is not only improving but also aligned with global benchmarks of responsible governance.
“Honourable Members, the heart of this budget, and indeed the heart of the rescue mission, is our Capital Expenditure Plan. The 2026 proposal of Seven Hundred and Fourteen Billion Naira (which is 83% of the budget) marks a historic commitment to rebuilding infrastructure, strengthening security, revitalizing agriculture, and expanding opportunities for our youth.”
Governor Lawal further emphasized that none of these ambitions, from security to education, from agriculture to infrastructure, from civil service reform to economic revitalisation, can be achieved without political will, the unwavering commitment of the government, and the patriotic cooperation of this State assembly.
“Political will is the courage to make difficult decisions today for the sake of a better tomorrow; it is the strength to remain focused on the collective interest, even when distractions abound. Your continued support, understanding, and legislative partnership have been invaluable in advancing the rescue mission. Together, we have laid the foundation for a prosperous, secure, and progressive Zamfara State.
“It is in this spirit of shared responsibility and collective resolve that I humbly submit to this Honourable House the 2026 Budget Proposal of Eight Hundred and Sixty One billion, Three Hundred and Thirty Seven Million Naira Only N861,337,000,000 for your careful consideration and approval.
“This budget is more than figures, it is a roadmap for transformation, a contract with the people, and a declaration that Zamfara State will rise stronger, more united, and more determined than ever before. May Allah guide your deliberations and bless the great people of Zamfara state.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor December 04, 2025
