ZAMFARA 2027: GOV. LAWAL DIRECTS ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS SEEKING POLITICAL OFFICES TO RESIGN
Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal has directed all council members who wish to run for political office in the 2027 general elections to resign.
The governor issued the directive on Monday during the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Gusau.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the directive aligns with the Electoral Act, signed into law by the President, and INEC’s release of the 2027 election timetable.
The statement read in parts, “Today, Governor Dauda Lawal presided over the 64th Executive Council Meeting, where critical issues were deliberated for the development of Zamfara State.
“In his opening remarks, the governor directed that all council members vying for political offices should resign on or before the 31st of March 2026.
“The governor instructed the Secretary of the State Government to issue a circular to all political appointees aspiring for elective offices, requiring them to resign from their appointments before the due date.
“The Head of Service is directed to issue the same to all Civil Servants who nurse the aspiration to contest an election.”
Governor Lawal reiterated his administration’s commitment to serving the people of Zamfara State.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor March 23, 2026
EID-EL FITR: GOV. LAWAL URGES MUSLIMS TO INTENSIFY PRAYERS FOR PEACE
Governor Dauda Lawal urged Muslim faithful to increase their prayers for peace in Zamfara State and across the country.
The governor appealed for prayers while congratulating the Muslim faithful on completing 30 days of fasting during Ramadan.
Governor Lawal reiterated that Eid El-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast, pray, and reflect spiritually.
“I congratulate the Muslim faithful in Zamfara and Nigeria as we conclude the 30-day Ramadan fast, marking this year’s Eid El-Fitr, the ‘festival of breaking the fast.’
“Eid El-Fitr is a joyous occasion, representing gratitude, unity, and renewal. It is a moment to intensify our prayers for peace in our beloved state and throughout the nation.
“The 30-day fast we just observed aims to instil patience, self-discipline, empathy, spiritual mindfulness, and a deeper connection with God.
“To improve Zamfara and Nigeria for everyone, we must unite. We have a collective responsibility to be our brothers’ keepers and work towards a better future for our state and nation.”
Governor Lawal prayed for a peaceful Eid celebration and hoped for the blessings of good health, peace, and a thriving economy in the years to come.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor March 19, 2026
ZAMFARA GOVERNOR IN TINUBU’S DELEGATION FOR HISTORIC UK STATE VISIT
Governor Dauda Lawal has been selected to accompany President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a historic State Visit to the United Kingdom.
The President and the First Lady, along with other members of the presidential entourage, will depart Abuja for the United Kingdom on Tuesday, marking the start of the state visit.
A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that King Charles will host President Tinubu, his wife and the entourage at Windsor Castle from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19.
The statement read in parts, “Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal will join President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s entourage for a historic visit to the United Kingdom on March 18 and 19, 2026.
“The purpose of the state visit, according to the presidency, is to strengthen bilateral relations and explore collaboration opportunities in immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
“At Windsor Castle, President Tinubu, the First Lady, and their entourage will be invited by Their Majesties to view a special exhibition of Royal Collection items related to Nigeria. In the evening, the Royal Family will host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests.
“During the visit, President Tinubu will meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer, leading to expanded bilateral talks ending with the signing of MoUs on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
“The President will serve as the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, which features modern art and culture, and will also participate in a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders as well as diaspora community members.
“The state visit will provide Governor Lawal with networking opportunities, opening significant prospects for investment and economic benefits for Zamfara State.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor March 16, 2026
PROJECTS: GOVERNOR LAWAL WINS 2025 NEW TELEGRAPH GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has been awarded the 2025 New Telegraph Outstanding Governor of the Year for his projects.
The governor received the award on Friday during the New Telegraph Awards and dinner night at the Grand Ballroom of the Lagos Oriental Hotel.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the newspaper honoured Governor Lawal for his administration’s transformative initiatives across key sectors in Zamfara State.
He said, “The New Telegraph newspaper named Governor Dauda Lawal the outstanding governor of the year 2025 for projects.
“The award, bestowed by the Board of Editors of Daily Telegraph Publishing Company, recognised Governor Lawal’s administration’s wide-ranging reforms and projects spanning education, urban renewal, and the provision of basic amenities, aimed at improving living standards and driving sustainable development across the state.
“The newspaper also cited additional reasons for the recognition, including the governor’s efforts to resolve a 13-year backlog of civil servant gratuities exceeding 16 billion Naira and payment of outstanding WAEC and NECO fees for over three years, among other interventions.”
While accepting the award, Governor Lawal expressed gratitude to the management and Board of Editors of the Daily Telegraph for considering him deserving of the honour. “This recognition serves as a morale boost that will motivate me and my cabinet to increase our efforts in implementing more projects and interventions for the benefit of our people in Zamfara,” he said.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor February 13, 2026
GOV. LAWAL WINS LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPER GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR AWARD, RESTATES COMMITMENT TO ZAMFARA’S DEV’T
Governor Dauda Lawal reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering visible progress and restoring confidence in governance in Zamfara State.
The governor received the LEADERSHIP Governor of the Year Award on Thursday during the newspaper’s annual conference at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the LEADERSHIP annual awards and conference identify and select distinguished personalities who have achieved a feat worthy of recognition.
The statement added that the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr Amina Mohammed, served as the keynote speaker for this year’s theme: “Political Stability and Sustainable Development in Africa in an Increasingly Unstable Global System: A Roadmap for Nigeria.”
The statement read in part, “The LEADERSHIP Newspaper award to Governor Dauda Lawal as the Governor of the Year has once again proved his administration’s strides across sectors in Zamfara State.
“The newspaper highlighted that among the reasons for the award is Governor Lawal’s outstanding performance, courageous leadership, and transformative initiatives, which placed Zamfara on a renewed path of progress, peace and sustainable growth.
“It is on the strong foundation of excellence that the LEADERSHIP Newspaper found the governor eminently deserving of this rare and celebrated national recognition.
“The remarkable performances by Governor Lawal earned him the award as the Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year last month, as well as Zamfara State emerging as the best state in the Northwest in the Primary Health Care Challenge.
Such recognition will encourage the Zamfara State government to further strengthen the state’s security architecture, drive agricultural transformation and rural development, expand infrastructure, improve healthcare delivery, expand education, and strengthen human capital development across the state.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor February 12, 2026
GOOD GOVERNANCE: GOV. LAWAL RECEIVES THE SUN ‘GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR’ AWARD
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has been honoured with the Sun Newspaper’s ‘Best Governor of the Year 2025’ award.
The award was presented to Governor Lawal at the Sun Awards on Saturday, 31 January 2026, at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the Sun Awards celebrate excellence and recognise the efforts of individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective areas and states.
The statement noted that Governor Lawal was recognised for his leadership approach and his administration’s notable accomplishments, especially in promoting good governance in Zamfara State.
The statement read in parts: “Governor Dauda Lawal receiving the Best Governor of the Year 2025 award from The Sun Publishing Limited’s management and staff clearly shows that his administration’s rescue mission is on the right track.
“Since his inauguration as the Executive Governor of Zamfara State on May 29, 2023, Governor Dauda Lawal has reached a significant milestone in service delivery. Despite inheriting a depleted treasury, he has stayed committed to the Rescue agenda’s pledge to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.
“Security has remained a top priority for Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration. In two years, the state government, under Governor Lawal, has spent billions of Naira to ensure security in Zamfara.
“The Governor has achieved significant successes in various sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, economy, and workers’ welfare and empowerment.
“These are but a few of the reasons the Sun Newspapers honoured the governor, and such recognition will serve as a morale booster, encouraging more effort to ensure good governance in Zamfara State.”
In December of last year, the Zamfara state government emerged as the top-performing state in the North West for the Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor February 01, 2026
MAMMOTH CROWD WELCOMES GOV. LAWAL IN A HISTORIC VISIT TO DANSADAU
A mammoth crowd thronged major communities leading to Dansadau town to give Governor Dauda Lawal a rousing welcome.
On Wednesday, the governor visited the Dansadau community in Maru Local Government Area.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the last time a Zamfara governor visited the Dansadau Community was over 20 years ago, during the tenure of former Governor Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura.
The statement also noted that Dansadau, being the largest ward in the Maru Local Government Area, has been neglected for years by previous state administrations.
During the visit, Governor Lawal passed through the Wanke community, Magami, and Dan Gulbi, among others.
The governor inspected the ongoing construction of the 108-kilometre Gusau to Dansadau Road, which was awarded by his administration.
Governor Lawal was conferred with the traditional title of Garkuwan Dansadau by the Emir of Dansadau, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Garba Mohammed Sarkin Kudu.
The decision to visit Dansadau is part of Governor Lawal’s commitment to bringing development to the communities at the grassroots level.
The governor’s visit to Dansadau and the warm reception he received demonstrated the growing support of the people for the state government, driven by its many development initiatives under the Zamfara Rescue Mission.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor December 17, 2025
GOVERNOR LAWAL PRESIDES OVER 58TH STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING — ZAMFARA GOV’T
Governor Dauda Lawal has presided over 58 sessions of the Zamfara State Executive Council meetings since taking office in 2023.
On Monday, the governor presided over the 58th session of the State Executive Council at the council chamber in Government House, Gusau.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that Governor Lawal has chaired 23 sessions of the Executive Council in 2025.
He also noted that, besides discussing important development issues, each meeting resulted in approval of projects that benefit the people of Zamfara.
The statement read in parts: “For the first time in Zamfara State’s history, the government under Governor Dauda Lawal has reached a milestone by holding 58 Executive Council meetings, the highest decision-making body in the state.
“The Executive Council’s discussions are central to approving projects, making decisions, and adopting policies, including the 10th-year State Development Plan.
“Since his swearing-in in May 2023, Governor Lawal has actively led the council, chairing 13 sessions in 2023 and 22 councils in 2024.
“This year alone, Governor Lawal has presided over 23 council sessions, leading to numerous approvals that have positively impacted sectors like education, health, infrastructure, the economy, and security in Zamfara State.
“Overall, Governor Lawal has chaired 58 Executive Council sessions.
“Approved legacy projects by the Zamfara Executive Council are either completed or underway.
“Notable projects include the nearly finished Cargo International Airport and the reconstruction and equipment installation in all general hospitals across the 14 local government areas.
“More projects include building, renovating, and equipping over 500 schools across the state, and the construction of township roads in the capital and other local government areas.
“These council meetings have yielded positive community benefits, reflecting visible development all over Zamfara.
“With the 58th session of the council held today, Governor Lawal has distinguished himself among his peers as the governor with the most Executive Council meetings in the last two and a half years.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor December 15, 2025
President Tinubu Presents National Excellence Award To Gov. Lawal
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has presented the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) 2025 in Governance and Security Reform to Zamfara Governor, Dauda Lawal.
The President was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the NEAPS 2025 award dinner held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the event was organized by The Best Strategic Media (TBS) in partnership with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The statement added that NEAPS, founded in 2022, aims to recognize individuals who have made sustained positive contributions across the country.
The statement read in parts, “Governor Lawal was recognized by the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) 2025 for the reforms his administration introduced across various sectors in Zamfara.
“The administration of Governor Lawal has brought sanity to the Zamfara State Civil Service, prioritizing the welfare of civil servants and ensuring that retirees receive their retirement benefits.”
“While presenting the NEAPS award to Governor Lawal, his efforts in two years in office to settle over 15 billion naira in a 13-year backlog of gratuities for Zamfara State retired civil servants were highlighted. The notable increase in workers’ minimum wage from N7,000 to N70,000, his administration’s gesture of giving a 13th-month salary to workers, and other incentives were also mentioned.”
“Additional accomplishments listed by NEAPS include Governor Lawal’s urban renewal projects, the reconstruction, renovation, and equipping of over 500 public schools across the state, as well as his progress in the health sector, such as the complete renovation and equipping of all general hospitals.
“NEAPS also cited Governor Lawal’s efforts in security, which include establishing the Community Protection Guards, providing operational vehicles to security personnel, fueling troops’ vehicles, acquiring security equipment, and offering regular support to security forces.”
“This national award will motivate the governor to continue his relentless efforts to rescue and rebuild Zamfara State.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor December 08, 2025
GOV. LAWAL PRESENTS N861 BILLION BUDGET OF ‘STABILITY AND GROWTH’ TO ZAMFARA ASSEMBLY
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal presented a proposed N861 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, saying that it serves as a roadmap for transformation and a declaration that Zamfara State will rise stronger.
The budget proposal was presented to the Zamfara State House of Assembly on Thursday in Gusau.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the 2026 proposal has a capital expenditure of N714 billion, which accounts for 83% of the budget.
The statement also noted that the proposal has a recurrent expenditure of 147,279,945,000.00, which accounts for 17% of the budget.
“The Zamfara budget proposal allocates N65 billion for education, N87 billion for health, N86 billion for agriculture, N45 billion for public order and safety, N22 billion for environmental protection, and N17 billion for social protection.”
In his remarks at the presentation, Governor Lawal reiterated that as a government elected on the promise of rescue, reform, and revival, his administration has worked tirelessly to restore trust in public institutions, rebuild critical sectors, and lay a strong foundation for sustainable progress.
He said, “The people of Zamfara State, who once despaired under neglect, now see visible light, progress, accountability, and renewed direction. The 2026 Budget of Stability and Growth represents the next chapter in this journey.
“It is not merely a financial plan; it is a political commitment to entrench stability in governance and accelerate the growth our citizens yearn for, for it is crafted to deepen the gains achieved through our Six-Point Rescue Agenda; strengthening the security architecture, moderninzing agriculture for food security and prosperity, upgrading the healthcare system for every community, expanding access to quality education, accelerating infrastructural renewal, and empowering our youth, women and vulnerable populations. This Budget prioritizes inclusive development so that no ward, village, or community is left behind.
“Mr. Speaker, the 2026 Budget of Stability and Growth proposal reflects a politically strategic shift that aligns with the administration’s rescue agenda under my leadership. Our 2026 recurrent expenditure proposal of One Hundred and Forty Seven Billion Two Hundred and Seventy Nine Million Nine Hundred and Forty Five Thousand takes 17% of the proposed budget. It clearly demonstrates fiscal discipline and a responsible approach to public spending. It has ensured that personnel costs and other operational obligations are met without compromising our broader developmental agenda.
“When compared with the international public finance standard, which recommends that subnational governments’ recurrent spending remains at or below 60% of the total expenditure, Zamfara stands well within the acceptable boundaries. This is evidence that our financial management is not only improving but also aligned with global benchmarks of responsible governance.
“Honourable Members, the heart of this budget, and indeed the heart of the rescue mission, is our Capital Expenditure Plan. The 2026 proposal of Seven Hundred and Fourteen Billion Naira (which is 83% of the budget) marks a historic commitment to rebuilding infrastructure, strengthening security, revitalizing agriculture, and expanding opportunities for our youth.”
Governor Lawal further emphasized that none of these ambitions, from security to education, from agriculture to infrastructure, from civil service reform to economic revitalisation, can be achieved without political will, the unwavering commitment of the government, and the patriotic cooperation of this State assembly.
“Political will is the courage to make difficult decisions today for the sake of a better tomorrow; it is the strength to remain focused on the collective interest, even when distractions abound. Your continued support, understanding, and legislative partnership have been invaluable in advancing the rescue mission. Together, we have laid the foundation for a prosperous, secure, and progressive Zamfara State.
“It is in this spirit of shared responsibility and collective resolve that I humbly submit to this Honourable House the 2026 Budget Proposal of Eight Hundred and Sixty One billion, Three Hundred and Thirty Seven Million Naira Only N861,337,000,000 for your careful consideration and approval.
“This budget is more than figures, it is a roadmap for transformation, a contract with the people, and a declaration that Zamfara State will rise stronger, more united, and more determined than ever before. May Allah guide your deliberations and bless the great people of Zamfara state.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor December 04, 2025
