By Ayomide Otitoju
The 2025 UK Country Policy and Information Report classified Zamfara State as facing significant governance and security challenges. While the assessment highlights real security concerns, labeling the state among the “worst governed” overlooks the substantial interventions initiated since Governor Dauda Lawal assumed office in May 2023.
Governor Lawal inherited a state on the brink of collapse, marked by insecurity, a crippled civil service, and nearly non-functional public infrastructure. Health care, education, and basic services were in critical decline. Yet under his leadership, internally generated revenue has surged from N90 million to N2 billion within two years, reflecting notable fiscal recovery.
The administration’s transformation strategy is built on three pillars: Security, Infrastructure and Economic Revitalization, and Good Governance. In security, the state launched the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) in 2024, a community-focused force deployed across 14 local government areas. Supported by the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund, the initiative has enhanced local security operations, improved coordination with national agencies, and contributed to the rescue of kidnapping victims while disrupting criminal networks.
In infrastructure, Governor Lawal is spearheading a historic urban renewal in Gusau, including road modernization, drainage improvements, sustainable bus stops, and the rollout of the Bazamfara Buses for mass transit. Projects like the ongoing Zamfara Cargo Airport aim to attract investment and strengthen connectivity.
Agriculture, a traditional strength of the state, has been revitalized through fertilizer distribution, improved seedlings, and access to secure farmlands, enabling 59,205 bags of fertilizer, 34,800 kg of rice seeds, and 80,000 kg of maize seeds to reach farmers.
In education, the administration has declared a state of emergency, clearing debts to WAEC and NECO, rehabilitating schools, and establishing a modern Computer-Based Testing (CBT) center, ensuring students can access quality education locally. Healthcare has similarly improved, with renovated general hospitals and upgraded facilities providing modern care across key towns.
Governor Lawal’s administration emphasizes transparency and accountability, publishing annual budget performance reports, resolving overdue civil service obligations, and funding projects without external loans through prudent financial management.
While security challenges persist, Zamfara is on a determined path toward recovery and sustainable development. Governor Lawal’s initiatives reflect a commitment to rebuilding the state, fostering community engagement, and positioning Zamfara as a model for post-conflict transformation in Nigeria.
