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| Governor Dauda Lawal |
Zamfara State marked a dual milestone this week: Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and the state’s own 30th anniversary since its creation on 1 October 1996. At an event held on Thursday at the Gusau Trade Fair Complex, Governor Dauda Lawal reflected on the journey so far, the hardships of recent years, and what he described as gradual gains in security and economic rebuilding under his administration.
The governor used the occasion to honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding figures and the advocates who pushed for Zamfara’s creation nearly three decades ago. He acknowledged that the state has faced prolonged insecurity, especially banditry, which disrupted communities, displaced families, damaged livelihoods, and claimed lives.
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Security measures and returning communities
Lawal said his government introduced a different approach that includes the Community Protection Guard (CPG) to support regular security agencies.
He pointed to expanded logistics, more frequent patrols, and a firm policy of not negotiating with criminal groups.
“We have expanded tactical logistics, intensified regular patrols and maintained a zero-tolerance stance against negotiation with criminal elements,” he stated.
According to the governor, relative calm has returned to some local government areas, allowing displaced residents to begin returning home. He specifically mentioned facilitated returns, including to communities such as Fakai in Kware Local Government Area. Lawal also paid tribute to civilians and security personnel who lost their lives, as well as those affected by abductions, displacement, or loss of education and income.
These claims sit against a backdrop of ongoing national attention to insecurity in the North-West.
Officials and observers have long noted that lasting stability remains a work in progress even as local initiatives expand.
Education, health, and agriculture interventions
On education, the administration declared a state of emergency and launched a 120-day Rapid Intervention Action Plan. Steps cited include policy and payroll audits, infrastructure checks, an executive order aimed at better financing, school safety and student welfare, school renovations, and teacher recruitment. The goal, Lawal said, is to better prepare young people in the state to compete more widely.
In healthcare, he reported renovation and modernisation of more than 700 facilities—primary healthcare centres and general hospitals—across the state’s 14 local government areas. Solar power systems have been installed at primary centres to support reliable electricity and vaccine storage, alongside free medical outreach for vulnerable residents.
Agriculture remains central to Zamfara’s identity and economy. The governor said the wet-season farming programme distributed more than 70,000 bags of fertiliser along with improved seeds and irrigation equipment. He framed the state as positioned to regain stronger agricultural standing once security and support systems improve.
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Investment, infrastructure, and institutions
Lawal highlighted efforts to attract higher-value investment, pointing to the commissioning of a multi-million-dollar lithium mining and processing factory as an example of resource development and job creation. Infrastructure work continues, including major road projects intended to ease movement and commerce.
On the judiciary, the administration said it has upheld independence while introducing automation to speed up access to justice.
“We have approached every sector with our reforms, and we are steadily committed to a total rescue and transformation of our dear Zamfara State,” the governor said.
He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, traders, and youths to set aside political and sectarian differences and contribute to development. Residents were urged to stay vigilant, support security agencies, and continue praying for peace in the state and the country.
“Insha Allah, the cloud of hardship is clearing and the dawn of prosperity is breaking upon Zamfara State,” Lawal concluded, expressing optimism that the state can become more modern and economically vibrant within the North-West and Nigeria.
He congratulated Nigerians on Independence Day and the people of Zamfara on the state’s 30th anniversary.
Note:
Events like these underscore both the resilience of communities and the scale of the work still required. Continued progress will depend on sustained security improvements, effective implementation of reforms, and broad participation from citizens.
Samuel O. Sulaimon is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Naijapiz. He covers News, Sports, Finance, Faiths, Education, Technology.
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