GOV. LAWAL VISITS MORE ZAMFARA COMMUNITIES, VOWS NEVER TO NEGOTIATE WITH BANDITS
Governor Dauda Lawal has reassured the people of Zamfara that his administration stands firm against negotiating with bandits who are terrorizing the state.
The governor, on Thursday, visited more communities that bandits recently attacked.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the communities visited are Kagara, Dan Isa, and Kasuwar Daji, all in the Kauran Namoda local government area.
The statement noted that the governor was on a condolence visit to affected communities to demonstrate his administration’s commitment to their security.
The governor reaffirmed to the affected communities that his administration will never negotiate with bandits.
He said, “Yesterday, I began a condolence visit to some communities that were recently targeted by bandits.
“Since we could not finish it yesterday, we are resuming the visit today. We visited three communities, where I met with the people and offered them words of encouragement from the government.
“Security is my government’s top priority, and we are dedicating all our efforts to making sure we are doing it right – protecting the lives and properties of our people.
“Since the start of my administration, I have made it clear that I won’t negotiate with the bandits who are killing our people, and that remains the case. My administration will never negotiate with them because they have never shown any sincerity.
“I have noticed that the roads leading to most of these communities are in very poor condition. My government will repair these roads for the benefit of the communities.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor August 14, 2025
GOV. LAWAL VISITS ATTACKED ZAMFARA COMMUNITIES, SAYS GOD WILL SHAME SPONSORS OF BANDITRY
Governor Dauda Lawal said God will expose and shame those responsible for the brutal attacks and senseless killings by bandits in Zamfara State.
On Wednesday, the governor visited communities in the Kauran Namoda local government area that bandits had recently attacked.
A statement by the spokesperson of the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the affected communities visited are Banga, Sakajiki, Kuryar Madaro, Maguru, and Tambarawa, all in the Kauran Namoda local government area.
During the visit, Governor Lawal offered his condolences to the families who lost loved ones and assured the communities of his commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property.
In his speech, the governor strongly condemned the recent wave of attacks carried out by bandits, saying enemies intentionally mean these violent acts to spread fear among communities.
“I visited Banga town to express my sympathy with the people regarding the recent bandit attack that occurred a few days ago.
“When the unfortunate incident occurred, I was not around. As soon as I received the news, I directed the deputy governor to lead a high-level delegation for a condolence visit.
“I just returned to Gusau yesterday after the trip, and I felt an urge to make visiting the affected communities my top priority today.
“I want to reaffirm my administration’s commitment to increasing our efforts in the fight against banditry.”
“May Allah expose and shame those responsible for these brutal attacks and senseless killings. I urge everyone to stay steadfast in prayer for an end to all forms of criminality in our dear state.”
The Emir of Kauran Namoda, Dr. Sunusi Ahmad, on behalf of the people, commended Governor Lawal’s efforts in responding promptly to security-related emergencies.
“These visits are very dear to the people of the affected communities and Kauran Namoda Local Government Area, and we are grateful. May Almighty continue to guide you.”
The governor also pledged to enhance basic amenities like road networks, electricity, portable water, and mobile services in the affected communities.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor August 13, 2025
Governor Dauda Lawal has commiserated with the people of Zamfara state over the death of the Emir of Gusau, Dr. Ibrahim Bello.
The Emir passed away at the age of 71 on Friday morning in Abuja after a protracted illness.
Governor Lawal described the Emir’s death as a personal loss, noting that he was a supportive royal father and a capable leader who dedicated himself to making Zamfara State better.
“I received with deep sadness the news of the passing of our father, His Royal Highness, Dr. Ibrahim Bello, the Emir of Gusau.”
“I express my heartfelt condolences to the Zamfara State Council Chiefs, immediate and extended families of the late Emir, Gusau emirate, as well as the entire people of Zamfara State.”
“His Highness’s passing is a huge loss for the people of Zamfara State, as well as for the North and Nigeria as a whole.”
“The late royal father dedicated 10 years of serving the people after becoming the 15th Emir of Gusau on 16 March 2015. He led with commitment, dedication, and a strong sense of faith.”
“The late Emir was an accomplished civil servant who rose to the highest position of Permanent Secretary during his service in old Sokoto and Zamfara states.”
“I have lost a confidant and a father whose wisdom guides me and other state leaders. May the Almighty Allah (T) forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor July 25, 2025
GOV. LAWAL CHARGES NEWLY APPOINTED ZAMFARA JUDGES ON QUICK DISPENSATION OF JUSTICE
Governor Dauda Lawal has charged judges to prioritize the quick dispensation of justice to the people.
On Wednesday, the governor presided over the swearing in of newly appointed high court judges and Shari’ah Court of Appeal kadis at the grand chamber, Government House, Gusau.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the state Chief Judge administered the oath of office and allegiance to three high court judges and three court of appeal judges.
The statement added that the appointed high court judges are Garba Sirajo, Esq., Bashir Rabi, Esq., and Abdullahi Nasir, Esq., while the appointed Kadis are Ibrahim Jibril, Muhammad Sanusi Magami, and Sha’aban Mansir.
In his remark at the ceremony, Governor Lawal noted that the judges were appointed after due consideration and approval of the National Judicial Council.
“Let me first congratulate you on your well-deserved appointments. Your appointments reflect the confidence that the judicial system has reposed in you. Therefore, I call on you to justify this confidence by demonstrating high professionalism, honesty, integrity, and impartiality in your duties.
“I wish to recognise the efforts and commitment of the Honorable Chief Judge and Chairman, Zamfara State Judicial Service Commission, Hon. Justice Kulu Aliyu OFR, and indeed her entire team, for a job well done, as all the nominees forwarded to the National Judicial Council were accepted and appointed.
“It is a fact that a significant building block of a just, equitable, and fair society is the dispassionate, unbiased, and timely dispensation of justice. This statement rings most especially true for our administration, as we strive to shift the paradigm, rescue Zamfara state, and rebuild our community with every citizen playing a role and being held accountable.
“This is a crucial time for the State Judiciary to support the current administration’s efforts to enhance citizens’ well-being. Ongoing collaboration between the Executive and the Judiciary is essential to achieving our goals. I assure you of my continued support, and my administration will provide the necessary benefits, allowances, and a suitable working environment to help you perform at your best.”
Governor Lawal further emphasized that the judges’ appointment consolidates their valued experience in service for the benefit of society.
“It’s not a heavy responsibility, but with Allah’s help, you will do the right thing. Prioritize swift justice to rebuild society and restore trust in governance. The administration has invested in security, infrastructure, health, education, and human capital over the past two years despite regional security challenges.
“We increased the minimum wage from N7,000 to N70,000, provided Ramadan and Sallah bonuses, introduced a 13th-month productivity allowance, and cleared 13 years of unpaid gratuities from 2011 to 2023. We are dedicated to sustainable development in Zamfara State.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor July 17, 2025
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GIRL-CHILD EDUCATION: GOV. LAWAL EMPOWERS 8,225 SECONDARY SCHOOL GIRLS IN ZAMFARA
Governor Dauda Lawal has distributed the conditional cash transfers to 8,225 adolescent girls in all 14 local government areas of Zamfara State.
On Wednesday, the governor officially commenced the disbursement of funds for the ACRESAL and Agile Projects at Garba Nadama Hall, J.B. Yakubu State Secretariat in Gusau.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the 8,225 secondary school girls were selected from the poorest and most vulnerable households.
The statement added that each adolescent girl will receive N40,000 to support their continued enrolment and transition through school.
“Additional tranches of Ten Thousand Naira each for the Second and Third School terms will bring the total support to N60,000 per session through the parents or caregivers. A total Sum of Three Hundred and Twenty-Two Million Naira is approved for this First Batch. Currently, arrangements for the second Batch of beneficiaries are in progress.
At the ceremony, Governor Lawal highlighted that the event symbolically provides financial support to beneficiaries of the ACReSAL and AGILE projects, which align with his administration’s focus on education, inclusive growth, social protection, and environmental resilience.
He said: “Under the ACReSAL project, we disburse the Community Revolving Fund to 500 beneficiaries in Gusau, Bungudu, and Kaura Namoda. The fund aims to support grassroots environmental and economic initiatives, reflecting our commitment to combating land degradation, promoting sustainable agriculture, and enhancing livelihoods in the face of climate challenges.
“Our communities face hardships like women building small businesses, youths seeking opportunities, and rural households accessing basic services. The Community Revolving Fund offers sustainable funding to support development, marking a shift towards resilience and accountability. I urge beneficiaries to use resources wisely and transparently, ensuring trust results in visible, measurable outcomes.
“The disbursement will keep circulating within communities, benefiting more people over time. Through proper use and repayment, this initiative will exemplify financial inclusion, local resilience, and sustainability accountability.”
The governor further stated that education remains a top priority of his administration.
“We are committed to tackling and overcoming all barriers, whether economic, infrastructural, or social, that prevent our daughters from accessing and completing their education. For when you educate a girl, you educate a village, because these educated girls grow into empowered women, who uplift their families, strengthen communities, and drive progress in our state.
“I commend all the implementing teams under the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, as well as our technical partners, for their dedication and collaboration in executing these vital programmes.
“Let me reassure the good people of Zamfara State that this administration will continue to pursue policies and programmes that deliver meaningful impact, especially at the grassroots. We remain committed to accountability, transparency, and service to our people.
“To the beneficiaries of these initiatives, remember that what you receive today is a seed. I urge you to nurture it, grow it, and let it blossom into a tree of change for your families and your communities.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor July 16, 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
GOV. LAWAL DISTRIBUTES 59,205 BAGS OF FERTILIZERS TO FARMERS, SAYS AGRICULTURE IS ZAMFARA’S ECONOMIC LIFEBLOOD
Governor Dauda Lawal has reiterated that agriculture remains the lifeblood of Zamfara State’s economy.
On Wednesday, the governor flagged off the distribution of 2025 farm inputs for the wet season and commissioned the new Fadama house, held at the Ministry of Agriculture in Gusau.
A statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that 98 fertilizer trucks were launched for onward distribution to farmers for wet season farming.
The statement added that other assets distributed include 34,800 kg of rice seeds, 80,000 kg of maize seeds, 23,740 liters of herbicides, 11,735 liters of insecticides, and 23,470 sachets of seed dressing chemicals.
During the flag-off address, Governor Lawal highlighted that distributing free fertilizers reflects his administration’s ongoing commitment to transforming Zamfara State through sustainable agriculture and rural development.
He said, “Agriculture remains the lifeblood of our state’s economy. It is not just a sector, but it is the very identity of our people.
“Our administration has embraced the slogan “Farming is Our Pride”. It speaks to the core of who we are and what we must prioritize as a people. Over 85% of our population relies on agriculture for survival. It is our duty, and indeed our moral obligation, to support and empower them.”
“This administration views agriculture as a strategic driver of food security, job creation, poverty reduction, and inclusive economic growth. That is why we are implementing an Agricultural Transformation Plan, tailored to the peculiar needs of our communities and aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 2, which seeks to end hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.”
“Despite climate change challenges and the late 2025 rainy season, we remain focused. Our government proactively supports farmers with necessary tools and resources needed to increase production and earnings. We invest in seeds, fertilizers, systems, technology, and human capital to achieve long-term impact.”
“Our inclusive vision emphasizes women, youth, and individuals with special needs as agents of transformation, not just participants. We’ve digitized our distribution process to eliminate diversion, enhance transparency, and ensure support reaches the right farmer at the right time.”
“We recognize farmers face hurdles like limited access to inputs, financing, market uncertainties, post-harvest losses, and climate change effects. But we’re actively confronting these issues.”
“Through integrated and scalable interventions, we are building a value-chain approach that supports our farmers from planting to post-harvest. We are promoting mechanization, strengthening extension services, and creating access to agro-processing and markets.”
“Let me take a moment to speak directly to the beneficiaries of this year’s program. These inputs are not intended for sale. They are not commodities to be traded for quick gain. They are tools of productivity, investments in your future and the future of Zamfara. Use them wisely, use them responsibly, and let them serve as a foundation for increased harvest and improved livelihood.|”
“Distinguished guests, brothers and sisters, it is now my honour and privilege to formally flag off the 2025 Wet Season Farm Inputs Distribution, which will benefit 59,205 smallholder farmers across our state.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor July 09, 2025
I’VE PAID N13.6 BILLION BACKLOG OF INHERITED GRATUITY OWED TO ZAMFARA RETIREES SINCE 2011, SAYS GOV. LAWAL
Governor Dauda Lawal expressed satisfaction in paying N13,944,039,204.64 in gratuities owed to Zamfara pensioners from 2011 to 2023.
On Tuesday, the governor inaugurated the Contributory Pension Implementation Committee and received a report from the Joint Committees on the payment of the backlog of gratuities at the Government House in Gusau.
A statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that clearing the backlog of unpaid gratuities and pensions accumulated from 2011 to 2023 is one of the key achievements of the administration.
The statement added that 3,824 beneficiaries from the State Service received N7,960,162,598.64, while 4,833 from the Unified Local Government Service were verified and paid N5,983,876,606 in backlog gratuities. In total, N13,944,039,204.64 was distributed as inherited gratuities.
Governor Lawal, after receiving the report, said that his government prioritized settling the rights and benefits of civil servants, especially those who had retired after 35 years of service and reached the age of 60.
“Our administration inherited over 13 billion Naira in unpaid gratuities for State and Local Government retirees from 2011 to 2023. The delays have caused hardship, and some retirees have died waiting for their benefits. May their souls rest in peace.”
“To address this injustice, we formed two committees to review and recommend payment of all outstanding gratuities for State and Local Government retirees. When we assumed Office two years ago, despite economic and social challenges, we paid three months’ unpaid salaries and allowances to civil and public servants. We also settled unpaid allowances for Judges and Judiciary Staff for years.”
“We are now up to date on all these. When we came in, the minimum wage in the state was only N7,000.00. The N30,000 minimum wage, which was passed into law in 2019, was never implemented by the previous government. Cognizant of our responsibility and duty to the state, we implemented the N30,000.00 minimum wage.”
“Upon reviewing the minimum wage, which increased from N30,000 to N70,000.00 in July 2024, we implemented the review after all due processes. Effectively, during my two years of administration, we increased the minimum wage in the state from N7,000.00 to N70,000.00.”
“Furthermore, we introduced and implemented Sallah Bonuses and an end-of-year productivity bonus, also known as the 13th month salary, for all Civil and Public Servants and Public Office Holders. This had never been done in the state’s history.”
“The backlog of gratuity payments has boosted Public Servants’ confidence and restored public trust in governance. We will continue to ensure prompt retirement benefits. To do so, the state government is ready to partner with regulated pension fund organizations aligned with our new reforms.”
“As I receive this report, I wish to acknowledge and commend the effort and commitment of the Committee members. This was not an easy task. I am aware of the challenges faced by the members during the exercise and applaud their tenacity and determination.”
While inaugurating the Contributory Pension Implementation Committee, the governor reiterated that his administration will ensure reforms in the Pension administration of State and Local Governments.
“My administration has constituted a committee to review the previous activities of pension administration in the State. The Committee has completed its assignment and made recommendations on the way forward. Part of the recommendations was to constitute the Contributory Pension Implementation Committee, which will, among other things.
“To liaise with the Ministry of Justice, the State Pension Commission, and all relevant stakeholders to review and update the Zamfara State Pension Law for passage by the State Assembly as soon as possible.
“To collaborate with ZITDA in assessing the ICT needs and staff training requirements of the Commission, with the aim of developing an effective transition strategy, timeline, and cut-over date for migrating from the current pension scheme to a Contributory Pension Scheme. The plan should outline detailed, step-by-step implementation strategies to ensure full compliance by all stakeholders and enable a smooth and successful rollout of the new scheme.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor July 07, 2025
