Search for:
President Tinubu Presents National Excellence Award To Gov. Lawal

PRESS STATEMENT

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

PRESS STATEMENT

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 LAUNCHES ZAMFARA STATE 10-YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN

PRESS STATEMENT

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

PRESS STATEMENT

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