Nov 3 2025

Zamfara’s fiscal performance ranking jumps to 17th from 36th position in two years under Governor Lawal – BudgIT

The Zamfara State fiscal performance has recorded a boost from 36th position in 2023 to 17th position in 2025 under Governor Dauda Lawal, a report by BudgIT has revealed.

This was revealed in the organisation’s 2025 State of States ranking released this week.

The report said Zamfara’s fiscal performance took a 13-step up in its fiscal performance ranking, 17th. It ranked 26th in 2024, the report said.

The state was ranked 36th in 2023 when Governor Lawal took over.

The state’s recurrent revenue increased by 182.34% from N87.44bn in 2023 to N246.88bn in 2024, while its total revenue had a year-on-year growth of 117.68%, moving from N144.95bn to N315.53bn. When IGR is compared to total revenue, the state’s IGR in 2024 is at 10.31% of the total revenue.

The report said that the positive fiscal performance index ranking means that Zamfara is one of the few states that “have comparatively limited dependence on federally distributed revenue for their operations and thus have greater viability if they were to theoretically exist as an independent entity.”

BudgIT is a civic organisation that uses creative technology to simplify public information, stimulating a community of active citizens and enabling their right to demand accountability, institutional reforms, efficient service delivery and an equitable society.

The report said the state recorded improvements in its IGR index. ‘Looking closely at the state’s IGR, Zamfara brought in N25.46bn in 2024, just 14.86% higher than the N22.16bn in 2023. In 2024, Zamfara’s IGR ranked 25th among the 36 states in the federation.”

It states that the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenue, one of Zamfara’s sources of income, “increased by 239.18% from N65.28bn in 2023 to N221.42bn in 2024.”

BudgIT explained that “the IGR per capita stood at N4,364 as of the end of 2024,” adding that the state has managed to improve on its IGR moving from a record of N2.74 billion in 2015 to N25.46 billion in 2024 under Governor Lawal.

The state’s tax revenue

Zamfara’s non-tax revenue declined by 71.31% from N3.73 billion in 2021 to N1.07 billion in 2022, but “increased by 593.46% in 2023, with a record of N7.42 billion, and further increased to N12.91bn in 2024 under the Lawal’s administration, the report said.

Breaking down some components of its non-tax revenue, licences rose by 25.30% from N18.18 million in 2021 to N22.78 million in 2022, and grew by 5921.47% and 44.53% in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

Revenue earned from fees decreased by 93.90% between 2021 and 2022, and increased by 3610.57% and 88.24% in 2023 and 2024, moving from N82.44mn in 2022 to N3.06bn in 2023 and N5.76bn in 2024. Fines declined by 78.15% in Zamfara.

The BudgIT report also explained that “There were notable changes in the state’s health and education spending between 2022 and 2024. While health sector spending and spending per capita increased over the years, its spending performance declined significantly. With a spending of N4.29bn in 2022, it increased to N5.74bn in 2023 and further increased to N11.88bn in 2024.”

It said the spending per capita went from N785 in 2022 to N1,017 and N2,037 in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

END

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Oct 21 2025

GOV. LAWAL LAUNCHES ZAMFARA NUTRITION COUNCIL, SAYS MALNUTRITION POSSESSES ECONOMIC BARRIER

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL LAUNCHES ZAMFARA NUTRITION COUNCIL, SAYS MALNUTRITION POSSESSES ECONOMIC BARRIER

Governor Dauda Lawal said that malnutrition is not only a health crisis but an economic barrier and a profound threat to human capital development.

The governor launched the Zamfara State Nutrition 774 Initiative on Tuesday at the council chamber of the government house in Gusau.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the Nutrition 774 Initiative is a community-driven, multi-sectoral program created to enhance nutritional results throughout Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas.

The statement added that the State Council on Nutrition oversees and directs the implementation of sustainable nutrition activities in Zamfara.

During his remarks at the launch, Governor Lawal assured that the inauguration of the State Council on Nutrition will spark a transformative plan to strengthen society’s foundation by prioritizing the health and well-being of Zamfara children.

He said, “We cannot build a secure, resilient, and prosperous Zamfara on a foundation of poor nutrition. An investment in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life is the single most significant investment we can make in this state’s future.

“This is why the Nutrition 774 (N774) Initiative is timely and essential. Its community-based, multi-sectoral approach rightly recognizes that nutrition is connected to health, agriculture, education, social protection, and WASH.

“By focusing on strengthening our local nutrition efforts and empowering our women, the N774 Initiative aligns with our state’s ‘Rescue Agenda’.

“To that end, I am proud to announce that we have formally constituted the Zamfara State Council on Nutrition and our full commitment to the N774 Initiative.”

The governor further stressed that the Zamfara State Council, composed of key commissioners and leaders, has his complete authority to set policy, coordinate efforts, and supervise all nutrition activities.

“One of the council’s primary tasks is to drive the N774 Initiative to every local government in our state. This launch today is therefore a call to action.

“To our partners in the national team, we are ready to work and rely on your support to build our local teams’ capacity for a smooth rollout. My administration is committed to this partnership, providing leadership and resources to ensure the success and sustainability of the N774 Initiative in Zamfara State.

“Therefore, with great optimism for the future and a profound sense of duty, it is my singular honor to officially inaugurate the State Council on Nutrition and officially launch the Nutrition 774 (N774) Initiative in Zamfara State.”

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Mrs. Uju Rochas Anwukah, commended the performance of Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration, especially in the health sector.

Mrs Uju said the N774 initiative aims to build a well-nourished, healthy Nigeria by strengthening local and national nutrition efforts.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
October 21, 2025

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Oct 16 2025

GOV. LAWAL RECEIVES ZAMFARA ULAMA COUNCIL, URGES INCREASED PRAYERS FOR PEACE

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL RECEIVES ZAMFARA ULAMA COUNCIL, URGES INCREASED PRAYERS FOR PEACE

Governor Dauda Lawal has urged the Ulama Council Forum to increase prayers for peace across Zamfara State.

The Governor made the appeal on Thursday during a meeting with the Ulama Council Forum, led by Sheikh Umar Kanoma, at the Government House in Gusau.

The meeting discussed various developmental challenges and innovative strategies to enhance the effectiveness of preaching, with a focus on how these efforts could positively influence public perceptions to support the development of Zamfara State.

During his remarks, Governor Lawal emphasized the crucial role of religious leaders in promoting peace and stability in society.

He said, “Religious leaders play a vital role in everything we do in Zamfara because they are close to the people, and our community listens to them, especially in shaping narratives.

“This is why I consistently urge the Ulama Council to promote peace and advocate for adherence to the law whenever possible. Only through such efforts can we attain the peace we desire in Zamfara State.

“We have made significant progress in the fight against banditry, but we are not yet where we want to be. We will not give up until we secure Zamfara and see the full return of peace to our beloved State. This is a collective effort. We must do it together.”

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

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Oct 8 2025

Zamfara Deepens Global Tech Partnerships at the Digital Government Africa Summit! On Day 2

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.

DigitalGovernmentAfrica #ZamfaraICT #DaudaLawal #SmartZamfara #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #PublicPrivatePartnership #ZamfaraGoesDigital

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Oct 7 2025

Zamfara at the Digital Government Africa Summit – Lusaka, Zambia

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.

Tue, Oct 7, 2025

DigitalGovernmentAfrica #ZamfaraDigitalTransformation #eGovernance #SmartZamfara #DigitalAfrica #Innovation #PublicSectorReform #DaudaLawal

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Oct 2 2025

GOV. LAWAL UNVEILS 50 NEW 18-SEATER BUSES, SAYS IT MARKS THE REBIRTH OF ZAMFARA TRANSPORT COMPANY

PRESS STATEMENT

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

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Sep 18 2025

GOV. LAWAL ADDRESSES CANADA-AFRICA TRADE EXPO, SAYS AFRICA NEEDS GENUINE COLLABORATION, NOT CHARITY

PRESS STATEMENT

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

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Sep 16 2025

GOVERNOR LAWAL ESTABLISH PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES BOARD IN ZAMFARA

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.

September 16, 2025

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Sep 9 2025

IATF 2025: ZAMFARA IS OPEN FOR INVESTMENT, GOV. LAWAL TELLS GLOBAL INVESTORS

PRESS STATEMENT

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

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Aug 22 2025

GOV. LAWAL HOSTS PDP GOVERNORS FOR STRATEGIC MEETING IN ZAMFARA

PRESS STATEMENT

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

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