On Thursday, [Governor Dauda Lawal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dauda_Lawal) administered the oath of office to five newly appointed Permanent Secretaries for the Zamfara civil service at the Grand Chamber of the [Government House](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_House_(Nigeria)) in Gusau, stressing that they must be guided by public service rules, financial regulations and all relevant statutes.
**Who were appointed?**
The officials sworn in are Ahmad S. Zamfara, Nasiru Halilu Anka, Mu’azu Jibril Guraguri, Adamu Abdullahi Kanoma and Sani Muhammad Shinkafi. Justice Kulu Aliyu, the Chief Judge of [Zamfara State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamfara_State), presided over the ceremony and administered the oath, which required the appointees to pledge loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria as mandated by the Constitution.
**What responsibilities do they assume?**
The Governor highlighted that a Permanent Secretary serves as the administrative backbone of government, providing continuity, policy advice and overseeing the implementation of approved programmes. He noted that these senior officials are tasked with maintaining discipline, coordinating their ministries and ensuring that public resources are used for their intended purposes.
**What did the Governor say?**
“I extend my sincere congratulations to the five officers taking this oath today. Your appointments mark a career milestone and reflect confidence in your experience, abilities, and readiness for greater responsibility,” Governor Lawal said. He added, “Becoming Permanent Secretaries is more than personal advancement: as senior administrative leaders, your decisions and conduct directly affect government performance and the welfare of the people we serve.”
**How will the new appointees support the administration’s agenda?**
Lawal urged the secretaries to align their work with his government’s reform agenda, emphasizing proper planning, realistic implementation strategies, effective supervision and continuous assessment of results. He called for constructive, professional relationships with commissioners and political office‑holders, stating that “political leaders set policy; career civil servants provide the institutional knowledge, technical advice, and administrative capacity to implement it.”
**What is the broader goal?**
The Governor reiterated that his administration entered office determined to improve governance, strengthen institutions and advance a development agenda that meets the aspirations of Zamfara’s citizens. He affirmed that ongoing reforms aim to enhance public administration and the delivery of essential services, using the civil service as the vehicle through which government decisions are translated into tangible outcomes.