Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has announced that the state is progressively subduing insecurity while actively rebuilding its economic framework through strategic reforms and targeted interventions across multiple essential sectors.
Lawal stated this on Thursday at the Gusau Trade Fair Complex during the joint celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and Zamfara State’s 30th anniversary.
He said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers and those who championed the creation of Zamfara State in 1996.
The governor said the state had endured years of insecurity, particularly banditry, which disrupted communities, displaced families, crippled economic activities and claimed innocent lives.
According to him, his administration adopted a new approach to tackling insecurity, including the establishment and operationalisation of the Community Protection Guard (CPG) to complement conventional security agencies.
“We have expanded tactical logistics, intensified regular patrols and maintained a zero-tolerance stance against negotiation with criminal elements,” he said.
Lawal said relative calm was returning to some local government areas, with displaced residents gradually returning to their ancestral communities.
He cited the facilitated return of thousands of residents to communities, including Fakai in Kware Local Government Area, as part of efforts to restore normalcy.
The governor paid tribute to civilians and security personnel killed in the prolonged security crisis, as well as those abducted, displaced or deprived of education and livelihoods.
On education, Lawal said his administration had declared a state of emergency in the sector and introduced a 120-day Rapid Intervention Action Plan.
He said the government had conducted policy and payroll audits as well as infrastructure assessments, while an executive order on education reform had been signed to improve financing, school safety and students’ welfare.
He added that the government was renovating schools and recruiting teachers to equip Zamfara youths to compete globally.
On healthcare, Lawal said more than 700 health facilities, including primary healthcare centres and general hospitals, had been renovated and modernised across the 14 local government areas.
He said solar power systems had also been installed at primary healthcare centres to ensure uninterrupted electricity and safe vaccine storage, while free medical outreaches had provided interventions to vulnerable residents.
On agriculture, the governor said Zamfara remained strategically positioned to regain its status as an agricultural powerhouse.
He said the government’s wet-season farming programme had distributed more than 70,000 bags of fertiliser, improved seeds and irrigation equipment to farmers.
Lawal said the state was also being opened to high-value investments, citing the commissioning of a multi-million-dollar lithium mining and processing factory as evidence of the administration’s commitment to resource development and job creation.
He added that his administration was investing in infrastructure, including major road projects aimed at improving transportation and commercial activities.
On the judiciary, Lawal said his administration had continued to uphold its independence and introduced automation in the court system to facilitate faster 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,” he said.
The governor called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, traders and youths to contribute to the development of the state and put aside political and sectarian differences.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant, support security agencies and continue praying for peace and stability in Zamfara and Nigeria.
“Insha Allah, the cloud of hardship is clearing and the dawn of prosperity is breaking upon Zamfara State,” he said.
Lawal expressed optimism that Zamfara would emerge as a modern and economically vibrant state in the North-West and Nigeria.
He congratulated Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary and the people of Zamfara on the 30th anniversary of the state’s creation.
What You Should Know
Governor Dauda Lawal used the joint celebration of Nigeria’s independence and Zamfara’s 30th anniversary to give an update on the state of affairs in the region. He highlighted that despite years of devastating banditry and economic hardship, targeted actions such as the creation of the Community Protection Guard and major investments in education, health, and agriculture are finally starting to yield positive results.
- Positive Impact: Residents are experiencing relative peace, allowing displaced families to return to their ancestral homes. Additionally, massive revamping of healthcare facilities, school renovations, and the launch of wet-season farming programs provide relief, jobs, and better living standards for everyday citizens.
- Potential Concerns: Despite ongoing improvements, the lingering threats of insecurity mean that absolute stability is still a work in progress, requiring sustained vigilance from both the government and local residents to prevent a resurgence of criminal activities.
