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
ZAMFARA GOVERNOR IN TINUBU’S DELEGATION TO G20 MEETING IN SOUTH AFRICA
Governor Dauda Lawal has been selected to accompany President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the 20th Heads of State and Government Summit of the Group of 20 (G20) in South Africa.
The summit, scheduled for November 22nd and 23rd, will include six Nigerian Governors as part of the President’s delegation.
A statement by the Zamfara Governor’s Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that all G20 member states will be represented at the summit.
The statement also noted that the gathering will feature 16 guest countries and six countries representing regional economic communities from Africa, the Caribbean, and East Asia.
The statement said: “Governor Dauda Lawal has been selected as a member of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s delegation for the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
“Other governors in the delegation include those from Osun State, Plateau State, Gombe State, Katsina State, Niger State, Enugu State, and Nasarawa State.
“The leaders’ summit is the culmination of the G20 process, reflecting all the work done throughout the year through Ministerial Meetings, Working Groups, and Engagement Groups.
“Furthermore, the G20 meeting in South Africa will have three sessions during the two-day summit.
“Discussions will cover a wide range of issues, including trade, development finance, the global debt challenge, climate change, food systems, the just transition, critical minerals, decent work, and artificial intelligence contributions.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor November 18, 2025
Zamfara’s fiscal performance ranking jumps to 17th from 36th position in two years under Governor Lawal – BudgIT
According to a BudgIT report, Zamfara State’s fiscal performance has improved significantly, rising from 36th position in 2023 to 17th position in 2025 under the leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal.
This was revealed in the organization’s 2025 State of States ranking released this week.
The report stated that Zamfara’s fiscal performance improved by 13 places, rising to 17th position in the latest ranking after being placed 26th in 2024.
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 stated that 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.”
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 “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.
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
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
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.
