Nov 6 2024
GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL BANS ALL NON-STATUTORY DEDUCTIONS FROM ZAMFARA WORKER’S SALARIES

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL BANS ALL NON-STATUTORY DEDUCTIONS FROM ZAMFARA WORKER’S SALARIES

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal has ordered the immediate suspension of all non-statutory deductions, notably cooperative associations & commodity vendors deductions.

Zamfara state employees have raised multiple complaints regarding deductions made through the State Payroll system.

In a statement issued in Gusau, the spokesperson for the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the directive aimed at banning all non-statutory deductions made through the Zamfara State Government payroll.

The statement reads in part: “In his resolve to sanitize the Zamfara State Payroll system for more efficient management of state civil servants’ remuneration currently inundated with a lot of unauthorized and illegal deductions, Governor Dauda Lawal has ordered an immediate halt to all Non Statutory deductions from workers’ salaries.

“The decision was made due to numerous complaints about deductions from workers’ salaries, some of which were used to facilitate an illegal surcharge of the workers in the name of cooperatives & commodity loan repayments.

“Governor Lawal has instructed the Commissioner of Finance to stop all of such deductions from workers’ salaries and to communicate the same information to all cooperative societies & other Commodity Vendors.

“For more clarity, the only allowed statutory deductions comprise the following:
PAYE; Union dues; NHF; ZAMCHEMA; Water rate; FMB (Rent to Own); FMB (Home Renovation); Housing Corp Loan.

“The present administration in Zamfara state is committed to implementing measures that support the welfare and development of the civil servants. This includes enhancing working conditions, providing necessary resources, and creating a conducive environment to ensure a highly competent, motivated, and productive workforce.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
November 06, 2024

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Oct 16 2024
GOV. LAWAL DONATES BUS TO ASSOCIATION OF ZAMFARA RETIRED PERMANENT SECRETARIES

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL DONATES BUS TO ASSOCIATION OF ZAMFARA RETIRED PERMANENT SECRETARIES

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has donated an 18-seater bus to the association of the Zamfara Retired Permanent Secretaries.

The governor presented the bus to the association’s leadership on Wednesday at the government house in Gusau.

At last year’s annual conference, Governor Lawal promised to provide a bus for the association to facilitate easier transportation during its activities.

“Alhamdulillah, I am fulfilling this promise to you today. I pray you make the most of the vehicle in your daily activities.

“My administration will continue to provide you with all necessary support. You served Zamfara State diligently, and now it’s time for the government to support your association.”

Receiving the bus on behalf of the association, former Zamfara State Head of Service, Alhaji Bello Karakkai, expressed gratitude to the governor for consistently keeping his promises.

“We are proud of this gesture and will make sure to publicize that you did something significant for our association.

“This is the first time a governor has listened to us since the creation of the state. We are exceedingly happy. May God bless you.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
October 16, 2024

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Aug 1 2024
IN SEVEN BATCHES, GOV. LAWAL PAYS N7.3 BILLION OWED GRATUITY TO ZAMFARA RETIREES

PRESS STATEMENT

IN SEVEN BATCHES, GOV. LAWAL PAYS N7.3 BILLION OWED GRATUITY TO ZAMFARA RETIREES

Governor Dauda Lawal has paid over seven billion naira in owed gratuities to retired local government and Zamfara State workers.

The Zamfara State Government established a committee on January 26, 2024, to verify unpaid gratuity for state workers who retired between 2015 and 2024 and local government pensioners between 2012 and 2019.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Gusau, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that N7,345,674,918.42 was paid as a backlog of gratuities in seven batches.

The statement added that the process of settling the owed gratuity is progressing smoothly and recording tremendous success.

“The Zamfara State Government, under Governor Dauda Lawal, is committed to clearing the backlog of over N13 billion gratuities owed to retired LGA and State civil servants.

“It is disappointing that Zamfara workers experienced hardship due to non-payment of their retirement benefits by previous administrations, which Governor Lawal promptly addressed by settling the backlog.

“The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th batches of 1,926 out of the 3,880 verified state pensioners were paid their total gratuity entitlements totaling N3,345,642,807.22, out of the total N8,095,948,906.63 owed.

“The seventh batch of 215 verified State pensioners with gratuity arrears worth N499,886,578.77 was recently paid.

“On the other hand, 3,513 retired Local Government and Primary School Teachers have been paid in seven batches totaling N3,500,145,532.43.

“This effort will continue as it is part of the state government’s commitment to revamp the Zamfara civil service for improved efficiency and effectiveness.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
August 01, 2024

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Jun 14 2024
ZAMFARA GOV’T BEGINS PAYMENT OF MINIMUM WAGE, SETTLES JUNE SALARY AHEAD OF EID CELEBRATION

PRESS STATEMENT

ZAMFARA GOV’T BEGINS PAYMENT OF MINIMUM WAGE, SETTLES JUNE SALARY AHEAD OF EID CELEBRATION

Governor Dauda Lawal has commenced the payment of the 30 thousand naira minimum wage to Zamfara civil servants.

Last month, the governor announced in a meeting with the leadership of the Zamfara State chapter of the labour union that he would begin paying minimum wage in June.

In a statement issued on Friday in Gusau, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that Zamfara civil servants started receiving their June salary on the 12th, ahead of the Eidil Adha celebration.

He added that the state government had fulfilled its pledge to pay workers the minimum wage, which was reflected in the already-paid June salary.

“The Zamfara state government, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, has disbursed the June salary to support workers in preparing for the upcoming Eid celebration.

“This is in line with the fulfilment of the promise made by the governor last month to implement the 30 thousand naira minimum wage.

“Before now, civil servants in Zamfara received a minimum wage as low as seven thousand naira.

“The government has been worker-friendly since its inception, ensuring the payment of three months withheld salaries, leave grants, owed gratuities, and timely payment of salaries.

“The government will continue to make further efforts to reform and rejuvenate the Zamfara civil service.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
June 14, 2024

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May 22 2024
WE’LL BEGIN N30,000 MINIMUM WAGE PAYMENT IN JUNE, ZAMFARA GOV. DECLARES

PRESS STATEMENT

WE’LL BEGIN N30,000 MINIMUM WAGE PAYMENT IN JUNE, ZAMFARA GOV. DECLARES

Governor Dauda Lawal has announced that his government will begin paying the minimum wage starting next month.

The governor announced this on Wednesday during a meeting with the leadership of the Zamfara State chapter of the Labour Union.

A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that implementing the minimum wage reflects the state government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare.

The statement added that the Zamfara State Government will start paying a minimum wage of 30 thousand Naira instead of seven thousand Naira effective June this year.

While addressing the leaders of the Zamfara State chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), Governor Lawal reiterated that implementing the 30 thousand Naira minimum wage aimed at motivating Zamfara workers.

“Today, I want to announce to the Zamfara State Labour Union leaders that my government will commence payment of 30 thousand Naira minimum wage next month in June.

“Since assuming office as the governor of Zamfara State, my administration has implemented numerous civil service reforms to ensure workers’ welfare.

“We have achieved the payment of withheld three months salaries of workers, payment of leave grant, and other bonuses.

“My government has paid a total of N4,337,087,490 billion in four batches to state and local government retirees, which have not been paid since 2011.

“We have further plans to improve the efficiency of the civil service in Zamfara. No employee should be concerned about retirement, as we will ensure timely payment of retirement benefits without any delays. We are committed to our rescue mission.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 22, 2024

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May 10 2024
GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL PAYS N4.3 BILLION AS BACKLOG OF GRATUITY OWED SINCE 2011

GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL PAYS N4.3 BILLION AS BACKLOG OF GRATUITY OWED SINCE 2011

Governor Dauda Lawal has paid over four billion Naira in gratuities to retired workers in Zamfara State, which has been owed since 2011.

Retired state and local government workers in Zamfara State have not received the gratuities that have accumulated over the years.

A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that gratuity payments began in February for state and local government workers after retirees were authenticated and validated.

According to the statement, the Zamfara state government has paid a total of N4,337,087,492.06 billion in four batches to state and local government retirees.

“In February, Governor Dauda Lawal set up a committee to validate retiree data and settle the gratuity debt that has accumulated since 2011 as part of his effort to sanitize the civil service in Zamfara State.

“After verifying the data of retired civil servants in Zamfara, the government discovered that state and local governments owed a total of N13.4 billion.

“In the first, second, and third tranches of payment, 1,088 verified state pensioners were paid their total gratuity entitlements. The total amount paid was N1,836,836,018.95

“This month, 284 verified state pensioners were paid their gratuity arrears worth N499,435,942.42 in the fourth batch. The total amount paid by the state pension rose to N2,336,271,961.37.

“Furthermore, a total of 1,744 retired Local Government and Primary School Teachers who retired between 2011 and 2018 have been paid N2,000,815,530.69 in four batches.

“The ongoing gratuity payment is a remarkable achievement, and it is expected to provide some relief to the beneficiaries who have been waiting for years to receive their benefits.

“Governor Lawal’s administration has shown that it remains focused on fulfilling its promises to the people of Zamfara State.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 10, 2024

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL PAYS N4.3 BILLION AS BACKLOG OF GRATUITY OWED SINCE 2011

Governor Dauda Lawal has paid over four billion Naira in gratuities to retired workers in Zamfara State, which has been owed since 2011.

Retired state and local government workers in Zamfara State have not received the gratuities that have accumulated over the years.

A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that gratuity payments began in February for state and local government workers after retirees were authenticated and validated.

According to the statement, the Zamfara state government has paid a total of N4,337,087,492.06 billion in four batches to state and local government retirees.

“In February, Governor Dauda Lawal set up a committee to validate retiree data and settle the gratuity debt that has accumulated since 2011 as part of his effort to sanitize the civil service in Zamfara State.

“After verifying the data of retired civil servants in Zamfara, the government discovered that state and local governments owed a total of N13.4 billion.

“In the first, second, and third tranches of payment, 1,088 verified state pensioners were paid their total gratuity entitlements. The total amount paid was N1,836,836,018.95

“This month, 284 verified state pensioners were paid their gratuity arrears worth N499,435,942.42 in the fourth batch. The total amount paid by the state pension rose to N2,336,271,961.37.

“Furthermore, a total of 1,744 retired Local Government and Primary School Teachers who retired between 2011 and 2018 have been paid N2,000,815,530.69 in four batches.

“The ongoing gratuity payment is a remarkable achievement, and it is expected to provide some relief to the beneficiaries who have been waiting for years to receive their benefits.

“Governor Lawal’s administration has shown that it remains focused on fulfilling its promises to the people of Zamfara State.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 10, 2024

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May 1 2024
MAY DAY 2024: GOV. DAUDA LAWAL RENEWS COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE WELFARE OF ZAMFARA WORKERS

PRESS STATEMENT

MAY DAY 2024: GOV. DAUDA LAWAL RENEWS COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE WELFARE OF ZAMFARA WORKERS

Governor Dauda Lawal reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the well-being of Zamfara workers.

The governor participated in the May Day celebration, which took place on Wednesday at JB Yakubu Secretariat Complex, Gusau.

A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, restated that the state government is committed to actively involving workers in the governance of Zamfara.

He added that, while addressing the Zamfara State workers, Governor Lawal pledged to fully implement all the six points of his administration’s Rescue Mission, which will form the basis of the transformation agenda.

“My administration has recognized workers’ vital role in delivering services and implementing government policies. Workers and governments are partners in actualizing our people’s dreams of development.

“Workers serve as the machinery through which the government achieves its goal of providing services to the people. In view of this, we will continue to explore ways of improving your well-being and that of your families, most especially considering the current difficulties being faced as a result of the removal of the oil subsidy and monetary policies that have led to a decline in the value of the naira and unprecedented inflation in the country.”

The governor also highlighted some of the achievements of his administration during his first eleven months in office.

“My fellow comrades, I am happy to state that within eleven months of our administration, workers in Zamfara state have every reason to celebrate. We have made a solid beginning by clearing the backlog of inherited salaries while ensuring the prompt payment of current salaries and extending additional welfare packages.

“To sustain these efforts, the government has implemented mechanisms to ensure that only genuine workers are on our payroll. We are also in consultation with labor on salary and wage review, given the realities of living today. I would like to put on record here my appreciation for my administration’s support and harmonious and synergetic relationship with the leadership of labor unions in the state. It is indeed one of the success factors of progress in restoring and improving governance.

Furthermore, the Zamfara State Governor pledged to digitize all government activities and reform the civil service to adopt a modern approach to conducting government business.

“To improve service delivery, we shall soon unveil our plans for digitizing all government activities and civil service reform to actualize a modern approach to conducting government business. This will include new methods of assessing workers’ performance, training and retraining, and the entrenchment of accountability mechanisms, among many other initiatives.

“Similarly, the government is determined to block leakages and prevent frauds that have, in some instances, characterized government business.

“In recognition of the sacrifices made by workers during their active service, it is only fair that they are treated with respect and dignity. This informed our decision to settle the backlog of gratuity arrears inherited by this administration. As soon as we clear the backlog, we shall ensure the prompt payment of gratuities to all retirees from state and local government services. With this act, in sha Allah, workers will no longer have any reason to fear retirement, which often leads to falsifying records to remain in service.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 01, 2024

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Mar 13 2024
RAMADAN BONUS: GOVERNOR LAWAL PAYS LEAVE GRANT TO ZAMFARA WORKERS

RAMADAN BONUS: GOVERNOR LAWAL PAYS LEAVE GRANT TO ZAMFARA WORKERS

Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the payment of a leave grant to the civil servants of Zamfara State as a Ramadan bonus.

On Wednesday, civil servants working for the state and local government in Zamfara began receiving their leave grant.

A statement issued in Gusau by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the worker’s leave grant is 10% of their annual salary.

According to him, the leave grant paid as a Ramadan Bonus is a welfare package given to all civil servants to mitigate the country’s current economic conditions.

The statement emphasized that Governor Lawal’s administration has been worker-friendly. “Upon assumption in office, Governor Lawal settled outstanding salaries owed by the previous government, paid the backlog of gratuities, and approved a 13th-month salary for the state’s workers.

“Due to the country’s current economic circumstances, Governor Lawal has decided to show gratitude for the hard work and commitment of the civil servants and political appointees. As a kind gesture, he has approved the payment of a leave grant to all workers.

“The governor has always been committed to civil servants’ welfare, ensuring they receive their salaries and bonuses on time. The payment of the leave grant is just another example of the governor’s concern for the well-being of the people of Zamfara State.

“The government has already disbursed payments for leave grants to state and local government workers and pensioners. Additionally, political appointees received a bonus to assist them during the holy month of Ramadan.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
March 13, 2024

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Mar 3 2024
ZAMFARA GOV’T VERIFIES 3079 RETIREES, SETTLES N2.3 BILLION BACKLOG OF GRATUITIES

ZAMFARA GOV’T VERIFIES 3079 RETIREES, SETTLES N2.3 BILLION BACKLOG OF GRATUITIES

Zamfara State Government has verified 3,079 retirees in an effort to pay the backlog of gratuities owed by previous administrations.

Retired state and local government workers in Zamfara State have not received their gratuities since 2011, which have accumulated over the years.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that a total of 1746 pensioners from both the state and local government received two tranches of payment amounting to N2,312,841,065.08.

The statement added that the second tranche of verified pensioners’ gratuity payments began last Friday, bringing relief to retirees who had been waiting for their entitlements for years.

“Tremendous progress has been made in verifying state and local government pensioners. Payment for the second tranche of verified pensioners’ gratuity commenced on Friday, March 1, 2024.

“A total of 413 verified pensioners from the state have been paid a sum of about NGN 682,228,647.38 (six hundred and eighty-two million, two hundred and twenty thousand, six hundred- and forty-seven-naira thirty-eight kobo only).

“Also, the payment of the second tranche of verified pensioners from Local Governments has commenced. A total of 403 verified pensioners from the Local Governments, amounting to N449,667,142.08 (four hundred and forty-nine million, six hundred and sixty-seven thousand, one hundred and forty-two naira and eight kobo only), have been paid.

“Out of the 3079 pensioners who have been verified, 1746 have received their gratuity payments in two tranches from both the state and local governments. The total amount paid so far is N2,312,841,065.08 (two billion, three hundred and twelve million, eight hundred and forty-one thousand, sixty-five naira and eight kobo only).

“The process of verifying and authenticating retirees is still ongoing, with payments being made to those who have been cleared.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
March 03, 2024

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Feb 10 2024
RESCUE MISSION: ZAMFARA GOVERNMENT BEGINS PAYMENT OF BACKLOG OF N13.4 BILLION GRATUITIES

RESCUE MISSION: ZAMFARA GOVERNMENT BEGINS PAYMENT OF BACKLOG OF N13.4 BILLION GRATUITIES

Zamfara State Government has commenced the payment of the backlog of N13.4 billion in gratuities to retirees in the state.

The state government established a committee to authenticate retired civil servants’ data to pay off the gratuity debt accumulated from 2011 to date.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesperson of the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that retirees who have been owed gratuities since 2011 have finally started receiving their payments.

The statement added that the backlog of gratuities accumulated over the years is now being cleared, and payment has commenced since Thursday.

“The state government has taken a significant step towards addressing the outstanding debt of gratuity owed to retirees, which comprises death gratuities, retirement gratuities, and contract gratuities.

“Governor Dauda Lawal set up a committee to validate and authenticate retiree data to settle the debt of gratuities that has accumulated since 2011.

“After validating the data of retired civil servants, the government discovered that the total amount owed from state and local governments is 13.4 billion Naira.

“The committee has already gone far with the authentication of data submitted by local government and state pension commission and physical verification of beneficiaries.

“Retired state and local government employees who were verified have begun receiving their gratuity payments since Thursday.

“The government would ensure that all retirees are authenticated and paid their gratuities without any difficulties.

“The Zamfara State Government is fulfilling its promise to serve the people of Zamfara by rescuing and rebuilding the state for the better.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
February 10, 2024

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