Zamfara Deepens Global Tech Partnerships at the Digital Government Africa Summit!
On Day 2 of the Digital Government Africa Summit in Lusaka, Zambia, Governor Dauda Lawal led Zamfara Delegation in a series of strategic roundtable engagements with leading technology companies exploring potential partnerships to advance the State’s ICT sector.
In a major highlight of the day, the Zamfara State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)with NetOne Neo Technology Limited for the development of Zamfara’s IT Ecosystem and Value Chain — a landmark step towards building a robust, innovative, and sustainable digital economy.
Governor Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to digital transformation, innovation-driven governance, and public-private collaboration as key drivers of Zamfara’s socio-economic growth.
Governor Dauda Lawal is leading a high-powered delegation at the Digital Government Africa Summit in Lusaka, Zambia. He delivered a keynote address alongside His Excellency, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia.
Governor Lawal’s address highlights Zamfara’s remarkable digital transformation journey— from building a strong digital governance ecosystem to deploying innovative public service platforms that enhance transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement.
The address also showcases emerging opportunities for global partnerships in advancing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), e-Governance, and Digital Literacy, reinforcing Zamfara’s commitment to becoming a model for digital innovation and inclusive development in Africa.
President Hichilema congratulated Governor Dauda Lawal for launching the first state-level digital literacy programme in Nigeria, the Zamfara Digital Literary Framework (ZDLF), positioning Zamfara as a model of digital transformation.
GOV. LAWAL UNVEILS 50 NEW 18-SEATER BUSES, SAYS IT MARKS THE REBIRTH OF ZAMFARA TRANSPORT COMPANY
Governor Dauda Lawal described the unveiling of 50 buses as a fulfillment of a promise and a legacy, demonstrating Zamfara State’s commitment to greatness and excellence.
The Governor unveiled fifty brand-new, luxury eighteen-seater buses for the Zamfara State Transport Company on Thursday, in Gusau.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the 50 brand-new commercial buses are modern, air-conditioned vehicles designed for comfort and safety.
The statement added that the buses were equipped with cushioned interiors, fitted with seatbelts, and featured reliable suspension for rough roads, as well as GPS tracking devices that enabled real-time monitoring of their location and performance.
In his remarks at the unveiling, Governor Lawal reiterated that the event marked a new chapter in Zamfara State’s journey, defined by a determination to leave behind the habits of waste and mismanagement and to embrace a new spirit of discipline, accountability, and progress.
He said, “Many have asked why it took time between the arrival of these buses and their proper deployment to commence operation? In the past, Governments might have rushed to inaugurate them immediately, content with the ceremonies of ribbon-cutting without addressing the deeper structures that ensure sustainability.
“But my administration is different. We do not rush where caution is required. We are not satisfied with mere symbolism when the substance of governance is at stake. That delay was deliberate.
“We chose to first put in place proper frameworks of accountability, monitoring, and management so that what you see here will last and will not descend into the fate that befell vehicles procured in years gone by.
“The history of public transport in Zamfara State is full of examples of neglect. Vehicles procured with public funds often ended up being diverted for private use, parked in the compounds of a select few, reduced to rubble by reckless driving, or abandoned because no maintenance plan had been implemented.
“What was meant for the masses became the toy of the few. We resolved that, under our watch, such misuse will never be tolerated again. These buses will remain on the roads, serving the people who paid for them with their trust, their taxes, and their hope.”
The governor stressed that his administration goes beyond procuring machines, saying the government invested in people.
“In recent months, Zamfara State Transport Company staff—including management, drivers, mechanics, ticketing officers, and admin workers—underwent a comprehensive capacity-building program. It focused on technical skills, ethics, service, and modern transport management methods.
“When transportation is broken, society is broken. By strengthening transportation, we strengthen the entire web of life in our state.
“Our Zamfara, in Northwest Nigeria, links to Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Abuja, Bauchi, and Gombe, serving as vital routes for commerce, education, healthcare, and social ties. Placing buses here improves local mobility and connects residents to the wider nation. Traders access broader markets, students attend institutions efficiently, families stay connected, and civil servants travel for work smoothly.
“As we commission these buses, I call upon the people of Zamfara to embrace them, to patronize them, to protect them. Public property must not be vandalized, abused, or neglected. A bus scratched, a seat torn, a window broken is not a loss to the Government but a loss to us all. Let us cultivate a new ethic of collective ownership. Just as these buses are public, so must our sense of responsibility be public.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor October 02, 2025
GOV. LAWAL ADDRESSES CANADA-AFRICA TRADE EXPO, SAYS AFRICA NEEDS GENUINE COLLABORATION, NOT CHARITY
Governor Dauda Lawal said that Africa does not seek charity, but rather authentic collaboration based on mutual respect, fairness, and shared values.
The governor served as the keynote speaker at the Canada-Africa Trade and Investment Expo 2025, held on September 17, 2025, at the Toronto Marriott City Hotel in Canada.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the trade expo, themed ‘Strengthening Canada-Africa Partnerships in Trade, Investment, and Sustainable Growth,’ unites the two continents through shared goals of prosperity, innovation, and sustainability despite their distance.
The statement added that Governor Lawal highlighted that Canada’s democratic traditions, robust economy, responsible mining, and innovative private sector make it a natural partner for Africa.
He said: “If Africa is to realize its potential fully, we must recognize that development is not just a matter of national policy; it is also a function of sub-national action.
“While our Federal Governments provide policy direction, it is within our States, provinces, and Local Governments that the promises of trade, investment, and growth must be translated into tangible realities.
“Sub-national Governments are the places where farmers cultivate the crops that feed nations, where mining operations either succeed or fail, where young people seek opportunities, and where investors look for clarity, stability, and fair return. This is why my presence here as Governor of Zamfara is not incidental, but deliberate. It underscores the fact that Africa’s renaissance will be driven as much by its States and provinces as by its capitals.”
The governor further stated that his government is deliberately reshaping the governance in Zamfara State and the investment climate to attract responsible partners who share the values of transparency, accountability, and sustainability.
“Agriculture is central to our economy. With over 70% of its land arable, Zamfara could become a food basket for Nigeria and the African continent. We seek partnerships in mechanization, irrigation, post-harvest management, storage, and agro-industrial chains. Canadian expertise, paired with our farmers’ resilience, can set a new food security model for Africa.
“Beyond agriculture, Zamfara has solid minerals like gold, lithium, manganese, and granite vital for energy transition. We aim to learn from past mistakes, ensuring resource wealth translates to prosperity, not just extraction. We are strengthening regulations, promoting responsible mining, and benefiting local communities.
“I urge Canadian friends to look beyond Africa’s capitals to its heartlands, its farms, schools, industries, and communities, where true partnerships will thrive. Encourage African leaders, including myself, to reform, strengthen governance, uphold transparency, and foster an environment for partnerships.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor September 18, 2025
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE ZAMFARA STATE GOVERNMENT JB Yakubu Secretariat, Gusau
PRESS STATEMENT
GOVERNOR LAWAL ESTABLISH PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES BOARD IN ZAMFARA
In fulfilment of his administration’s commitment to social welfare and inclusive governance, His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved the establishment of the Zamfara State Persons with Disabilities Board.
Announcing the development, the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, explained that the establishment of the Board follows the recent amendment of the State law designed to safeguard the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), protect them from any form of discrimination, and promote equal access to opportunities in every aspect of society.
Key amendments to the law include the substitution of the board’s ‘Chairman’ with ‘Executive Chairman’; the ‘Executive Secretary’ with ‘Secretary’ and ‘part-time members’ with full-time members. The amended law has also made it mandatory for the members of the board to be among the PWDs to ensure that all activities of the board serve the interests of the targeted groups.
Governor Lawal has appointed Alhaji Usman Ahmed Nahuche as the pioneer Executive Chairman of the newly established Board. Alhaji Nahuche, a retired Permanent Secretary from the state civil service and a member of the Deaf cluster, brings extensive experience in governance and advocacy.
Other members of the Board appointed include Hajiya Amina B.M. Audu (Spinal Cords cluster), Tukur Abdullahi (Deaf cluster), Babangida Umar Shinkafi (physically challenged), Umar Babangida Ahmed (Blind cluster), Binta Namadi (Rep of women), and Sani Abubakar as member.
The establishment of the Board reflects Governor Lawal’s unwavering commitment to social justice, equity and inclusivity. It reaffirms his belief that Persons with Disabilities possess unique talents and potential that can be harnessed for the overall progress and development of Zamfara state.
His Excellency has charged the appointees to work diligently towards uplifting the living standards of PWDs across the State. He also expressed appreciation to all development partners and stakeholders who supported the process of amending the law, reiterating his administration’s readiness to sustain collaborations that will enhance the well-being of the people of Zamfara.
Suleman Ahmad Tudu Senior Special Assistant (Media) Office of the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government.
IATF 2025: ZAMFARA IS OPEN FOR INVESTMENT, GOV. LAWAL TELLS GLOBAL INVESTORS
Governor Dauda Lawal has assured global investors that Zamfara State is open for investments.
The governor and other panelists participated in the fifth African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) conference held last Saturday in Algiers, Algeria.
A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said that the panel includes the governors of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, and Kenneth Makelo Lusaka, of Bungoma County, Kenya, among others.
The high-level panel discussed investment opportunities in Nigeria’s Ogun and Zamfara states and Kenya’s Bungoma County.
In his address to global investors, Governor Lawal emphasized that his administration is committed to transforming Zamfara’s narrative from one of challenges to one of significant opportunities and resilience.
“My administration is dedicated to creating a secure, profitable, and sustainable environment for investment. I am here today as a partner, ready to collaborate with you to unlock our shared prosperity.
“To address the concerns raised, we seek partnerships in key areas to effectively implement our investment initiatives.
“We need financiers, such as Afreximbank, to provide and facilitate tools like credit guarantees, political risk insurance, and currency swap facilities. These instruments are essential for mitigating perceived risks while attracting capital for large-scale infrastructure and mining projects.
“We welcome institutional support for capacity building within our state agencies, particularly in modernizing our land registry, training our investment promotion team on global best practices, preparing projects, and implementing digital systems for transparent and efficient permit processing.”
Governor Lawal further said that beyond Zamfara’s gold deposits, the state is rich in vast, untapped resources, including copper, lithium, tantalite, and granite.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor September 09, 2025
GOV. LAWAL HOSTS PDP GOVERNORS FOR STRATEGIC MEETING IN ZAMFARA
Governor Dauda Lawal is hosting the governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for a strategic meeting in Zamfara State.
The governors are expected to arrive in Gusau this evening, ahead of the meeting scheduled for Saturday.
A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the PDP Governors meet in Zamfara to discuss key political strategies as they navigate the current political landscape.
“Governor Dauda Lawal extends a warm welcome to his counterparts, the governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State.
“The governors are convening today for an important meeting of the PDP Governors Forum.
“Governor Lawal will host a dinner for the governors tonight, before the closed-door meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
“This meeting will provide party leaders with the opportunity to discuss pressing political issues, plan for party unity, and collaborate on developmental initiatives within their respective states.
“Additionally, the governors will address key concerns in preparation for the national convention organized by the National Executive Committee (NEC) in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor August 22, 2025
GOV. LAWAL COMMENCES ZAMFARA SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAM, AIMS TO LOWER OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN RATE
Governor Dauda Lawal has restated his administration’s commitment to addressing the issue of the growing number of out-of-school children in Zamfara State.
The governor launched the Zamfara State Pilot School Feeding Program on Thursday at Dan-turai Primary School in Gusau, the state capital.
According to a statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the school feeding program is designed to enhance pupils’ access to education, improve enrolment and retention, and support their completion and transition to higher levels of learning.
In his address, Governor Lawal stated that the flag-off signifies his administration’s strong commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to implement various strategies to increase school enrollment in Zamfara State.
He said, “Our commitment to reform includes initiatives to combat sector decay and foster partnerships, such as with the World Bank through the AGILE programme and with UNICEF. Recently, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, in collaboration with UNICEF, formed a Technical Committee of agency heads and stakeholders to visit 14 Local Governments, identify out-of-school children, and facilitate their reintegration into schools.”
“The school feeding program, which we are flagging off today, is part of the emergency response initiatives to promote enrollment and retention of pupils in schools while fighting hunger and malnutrition. This is in addition to our engagement efforts with two other NGOs, the International Center for Economic Development and FINPACT Development Foundation, which have agreed to support the state in implementing a pilot program to serve as a learning ground for program implementers and the State government.”
“In more specific terms, FINPACT Development Foundation will sponsor the feeding of 1000 pupils in Gusau, Maru, Anka, and Talatar Mafara, while the International Center for Economic Development is sponsoring the feeding of 3300 across Gusau, Talatar Mafara, and Shinkafi.”
“I charge all relevant stakeholders and other donor agencies to explore more ways of providing more activities and programmes. This will not only enhance our commitment to the provision of quality and inclusive education, but it will reduce to the barest minimum the menace of out-of-school children, so that together we can make our State a shining example.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor July 10, 2025
REA STRATEGIC ROUNDTABLE: ZAMFARA IS A PRIME LOCATION FOR SOLAR FARMS, SAYS GOV. LAWAL
Governor Dauda Lawal highlighted that Zamfara State benefits from intense sunlight throughout the year, positioning it as an ideal site for solar farms, mini-grids, and autonomous power systems.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) held its Zamfara State strategic roundtable in Abuja on Wednesday, bringing together energy sector stakeholders as part of its continued state-by-state strategic meetings.
A statement by the Zamfara State Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the roundtable focused on revitalizing the Zamfara electricity sector to promote social justice, strategic development, and innovation via renewable energy.
The statement noted that during the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Zamfara State Government and the Rural Electrification Agency, followed by stakeholder discussions, questions and answers, feedback, and commitments.
In his address, Governor Lawal said he inherited a government gripped by widespread energy poverty.
He said, “Many Local Government Areas were disconnected from the national grid. Public utilities were decayed, vandalized, or non-functional. Critical infrastructure had collapsed under years of neglect, and our industrial and commercial centers were crippled by unreliable power supply.
“However, we chose not to wallow in the blame game. Instead, we intentionally responded to the challenges we met with strategic vision, unwavering resolve, and decisive action.”
“Since then, our administration has embarked on a mission to rewrite that narrative by placing energy access at the heart of our development strategy. We launched one of the country’s most ambitious State-led transformer deployment programs, installing more than 150 units across urban and rural communities.”
“In collaboration with Kaduna Electric, we restored power to six local government areas and are reconnecting seven more, some of which have been without power for over a decade. These efforts are part of a plan to expand access, stimulate enterprise, and unlock private sector investment.”
Governor Lawal said Zamfara offers compelling advantages for renewable energy investment. “We are blessed with high-intensity year-round sunlight, making us a prime location for solar farms, mini-grids, and standalone systems.
“Coupled with this is the immense potential of the Bakalori Dam, a largely untapped hydropower asset with an irrigation command area of over 30,000 hectares. This synergy of solar and hydro presents an opportunity to deploy hybrid energy solutions that can sustainably power semi-urban and rural clusters.”
“Our agricultural sector is another strong anchor. Zamfara is consistently ranked among Nigeria’s top millet, sorghum, soybeans, and groundnuts producers. We are repositioning this sector through improved inputs, mechanized systems, and irrigation rehabilitation.”
“Yet, what is lacking—and what renewable energy can provide—is the critical power infrastructure needed for agro-processing, cold-chain storage, and value addition at the source. Energy is the missing link that can transform our agrarian communities into engines of rural industrialization.”
“Our infrastructure renewal is exemplified by the nearly complete Gusau International and Cargo Airport, envisioned as a gateway for passengers, trade, logistics, and investments.”
“To realize our green vision, we aim for this facility to be Nigeria’s first airport powered by at least 50% renewable energy, offering RESCOs a chance to lead in sustainable aviation.”
Earlier, the Managing Director of the REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, assured Governor Lawal of the agency’s commitment to deploying electricity infrastructure in Zamfara State.
“For the first time in the history of Nigeria, mapping the entire country has been done, and it shows the number and location of the people who do not have electricity. The nature of their community and their electricity demand. This helps the RESCOs, the finances, and the state government develop a strategy for channeling efforts to ensure that these people have electricity.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor July 02, 2025
ZAMFARA BECOMES FIRST STATE TO LAUNCH A DIGITAL LITERACY FRAMEWORK
Zamfara State is the first in Nigeria to adopt a Digital Literacy Framework (ZDLF) to equip its people with essential digital skills for inclusive economic growth, e-governance, and innovation.
The high-level Stakeholder Engagement on the Zamfara Digital Literacy Framework was held on Wednesday at the Garba Nadama Hall, JB Yakubu Secretariat, Gusau.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that the stakeholder engagement brought together key federal institutions, development partners, lawmakers, academia, and private sector actors to review and enrich the draft framework.
In his keynote address, Governor Lawal described the framework as a bold roadmap to a digitally inclusive future and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to seeing its full implementation.
He said, “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey to redefine the developmental pathway of Zamfara State through digital empowerment, innovation, and inclusive access to information and communication technology.”
“The Zamfara Digital Literacy Framework is a practical and strategic response to a long-standing need to equip our people with the capacity to function and grow in an increasingly digital world.”
“As we all know, digital literacy has become essential for productivity, job creation, quality service delivery, and national relevance. We cannot afford to watch our State remain on the margins of a technology-driven global order.”
“This framework aims to institutionalize digital learning and ICT integration across education, public service, and commerce sectors. It envisions a State where every student is digitally competent, every civil servant has essential digital skills for governance, and entrepreneurs and local traders are equipped to expand their businesses and access larger markets. We have begun to turn this vision into action.”
“Zamfara State partnered with Oracle Corporation to train 3,000 youth in Cloud 2 Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Database Management. With Oracle Academy, our tertiary institutions gain support to produce graduates who are industry-relevant.”
“Work has started on the Zamfara Institute of Information Technology (ZIIT) in Gusau. This institute will be a regional center of excellence, offering hands-on ICT education and fostering homegrown innovation. We aim to bridge the digital divide and position Zamfara as the emerging ICT center of Northern Nigeria.”
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Mallam Abubakar Nakwada, expressed the state’s commitment to positioning Zamfara as a leader in digital transformation in Northern Nigeria.
Delivering a goodwill message, Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis (senator representing Zamfara Central), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Communications and Digital Economy, commended Zamfara for taking the lead when national development hinges on digital inclusion. The Senator donated 300 computers to ZITDA to support its digital transformation drive across MDA’s.
In an overview of the Zamfara Digital Literacy Framework (ZDLF), Dr. Habib Gajam, Executive Secretary of the Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency (ZITDA), characterized the framework as a strategic and people-centered document organized around four primary outcomes.
Key federal digital institutions represented at the stakeholder engagement include the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Galaxy Backbone, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigerian Communications Satellite, and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor June 18, 2025
