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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Feb 13 2025

ZAMFARA VERIFICATION EXERCISE UNCOVERS 2,363 GHOST WORKERS, SAVES OVER N200 MILLION MONTHLY

PRESS STATEMENT

ZAMFARA VERIFICATION EXERCISE UNCOVERS 2,363 GHOST WORKERS, SAVES OVER N200 MILLION MONTHLY Zamfara State Government has uncovered 2,363 ghost workers following the just concluded verification of civil and public servants in the state.Governor Lawal constituted a committee headed by the state Head of Service in August 2024 with the mandate to conduct the verification exercise of state workers.A statement by the governor’s spokesman, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the verification process exposed 220 minors receiving monthly pay as civil servants.The statement noted that the verification exercise was necessary due to the state government’s efforts to implement the N70,000 minimum wage.”To improve the efficiency of the Zamfara State civil and public service, Governor Dauda Lawal formed a high-level committee tasked with verifying the state government’s payroll.“The verification committee, led by the Zamfara State Head of Service, included the commissioner of finance, the chairman of the Zamfara State Labour Union, the Accountant General, the Auditor General, the Statistician General as members, and the Executive Secretary of ZITDA as secretary. “The committee’s primary responsibility involved verifying and integrating nominal and payroll systems and creating electronic employee files.“The committee’s final report submitted to Governor Dauda Lawal highlighted that 27,109 permanent workers were cleared while workers with questionable employment include 2,363 ghost workers, 1082 civil servants who are due for retirement, 395 contract staff, 261 not on the nominal roll, 213 on study leave, 220 minors in employment, and 67 workers on secondment.“The report highlighted that 75 worker’s first appointment date is not in compliance with the issue date & all of them were minors at the time of employment. “During the verification, 2,363 ghost workers were exposed. They were paid a total of N193,642,097.19 every month.“1082 workers are due for retirement, and they collect a total sum of N80,542,298.26 monthly. At the same time, five workers found to be on secondment were paid monthly N354,927.60.“The verification committee recommended suspending 207 workers who were not cleared. They are paid a total salary of N16,370,645.90 monthly.“The committee found 12 workers on the payroll but not in the database and collected a monthly salary of N726,594.“These verification exercises are ongoing efforts to monitor the Zamfara workforce and ensure transparency and accountability in service, especially as the minimum wage payments begin in March of this year.”SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor February 13, 2025

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Jan 16 2025

EDUCATION: GOV. LAWAL APPROVES EMPLOYMENT OF 2, 000 TEACHERS IN ZAMFARA

PRESS STATEMENT

EDUCATION: GOV. LAWAL APPROVES EMPLOYMENT OF 2, 000 TEACHERS IN ZAMFARA

Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the employment of 2,000 teachers across Zamfara State.

The governor made the announcement while presiding over the Executive Council meeting on Monday at the government house council chamber in Gusau.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the planned recruitment of teachers fulfills promises made during the campaign.

The statement noted that education, being the second priority of Governor Lawal’s administration, has received significant attention and is already yielding desired results.

“Governor Dauda Lawal, in his commitment to revamp education in Zamfara state, has, on November 14, 2023, declared a state of emergency in the educational sector of Zamfara State.

“The emergency response by the Zamara government under Governor Lawal includes the construction and renovation of more than 400 schools across the 14 local government areas of the State.

“Provision of two-seater desks for pupils and students, totaling over 12, 000 across schools in the 14 local government areas and equipping the constructed and renovated over 400 schools with over 700 tables and 1,000 chairs for teachers across the 14 local government areas.”

In his remarks at the council meeting, Governor Lawal said the recruitment of teachers is part of his government’s activities in 2025. “The government will employ 2,000 qualified teachers to help improve and revitalize the education sector.

“The teachers are to be employed in phases to ensure that the right people of quality to address especially critical areas of need in our schools are employed without any wrongdoing.

“The recruitment is part of the AGILE Program and aims to completely reverse the rot in the education sector and improve the quality of teaching and students in our schools throughout the state.

“We are starting with employing 500 teachers in the first quarter of this year. In the first instance, emphasis should be placed on teachers in critical subjects like English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, ICT, and Entrepreneurship studies.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
January 16, 2025

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Jan 15 2025

Dr. Habib Abubakar Gajam PhD, the Executive Secretary Zamfara Information Technology and Development Agency (ZITDA) celebrates one year in office

Today marks the first anniversary of the Executive Secretary Dr Habib Gajam’s stewardship at the Zamfara Information and Communications Technology Development Agency (ZITDA). It has been a year of dedication, progress, and collaboration in driving the digital transformation agenda for Zamfara State.

Over the past year, we have worked tirelessly to position ZITDA as a hub for innovation, digital capacity building, and e-governance excellence. Together with my dedicated team, we have championed strategic initiatives aimed at empowering our youth, fostering technological inclusion, and creating opportunities for sustainable development through technology.

Key milestones include the successful launch of digital literacy programs, partnerships with key stakeholders in the ICT ecosystem, and the development of frameworks that will shape the future of digital governance in our state. These achievements have been made possible through the unwavering support of the government, our partners, and the hardworking staff of ZITDA.

As we celebrate this anniversary, the Executive Secretary remains committed to furthering our vision of a digitally empowered Zamfara, where technology serves as a catalyst for innovation, economic growth, and social impact. The journey has just begun, and he is inspired by the endless possibilities ahead.
15 Jan 2025

WeMeanBusiness

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Dec 29 2024

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL APPROVES 13TH MONTH SALARY FOR ZAMFARA WORKERS

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL APPROVES 13TH MONTH SALARY FOR ZAMFARA WORKERS

Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the payment of a 13th-month salary to Zamfara state civil and public servants.

The approval was communicated in a circular issued on the 28th of December 2024 by the Zamfara State Head of Service.

The 13th month salary is the second of its kind in Zamfara State’s history, with the first being paid by Lawal’s administration last December.

Zamfara civil and public servants, including retirees, will receive a bonus of 30% of their basic salary as the 13th month salary.

This initiative acknowledges the dedication and hard work of the Zamfara workforce by providing them with extra financial support during the holiday season.

The 13th-month salary payment is one of several ideas to empower workers and foster economic growth in Zamfara State.

To fulfill its promises, the government has cleared over N10 billion in gratuities owed over the past 11 years, approved a minimum wage of N70,000, and ensured workers’ salaries were paid on time.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
December 29, 2024

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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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