Governor Dauda Lawal asserted that [Zamfara State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamfara_State) is slowly moving past the wave of insecurity that has plagued it and is rebuilding its economy through a range of reforms across key sectors.
He delivered the statement on Thursday at the Gusau Trade Fair Complex, where Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and Zamfara’s 30th anniversary were being celebrated together.
The governor highlighted that the occasion offered a chance to honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers and the pioneers who advocated for the creation of Zamfara State in 1996.
Lawal recalled that the state had suffered for years from insecurity, especially banditry, which shattered communities, forced families to flee, halted economic activities and resulted in loss of innocent lives.
He explained that his administration, under the [Zamfara State Government](https://www.zamfara.gov.ng), has adopted a fresh strategy that includes the formation and activation of the Community Protection Guard (CPG) to work alongside regular security forces.
“We have expanded tactical logistics, intensified regular patrols and maintained a zero‑tolerance stance against negotiation with criminal elements,” he declared.
According to the governor, a relative calm is returning to several local government areas, with displaced residents slowly moving back to their hometowns.
He pointed to the organised return of thousands of people to their villages, citing the example of Fakai in Kware Local Government Area, as evidence of the normalisation process.
Lawal paid tribute to the civilians and security personnel who lost their lives during the prolonged crisis, as well as to those who were abducted, displaced or denied education and livelihoods.
On the education front, he said his administration had declared a state of emergency in the sector and launched a 120‑day Rapid Intervention Action Plan.
He noted that the government has carried out policy and payroll audits, assessed infrastructure, and signed an executive order on education reform aimed at improving financing, school safety and student welfare.
The governor added that schools are being renovated and teachers are being recruited to equip Zamfara’s youth for global competition.
Regarding health, he reported that more than 700 health facilities—including primary health centres and general hospitals—have been renovated and modernised across the 14 local government areas, a move overseen by the [Ministry of Health](https://www.health.gov.ng).
He also mentioned the installation of solar power systems at primary health centres to guarantee uninterrupted electricity and safe vaccine storage, while free medical outreaches have delivered services to vulnerable populations.
In agriculture, Lawal affirmed that Zamfara remains strategically placed to reclaim its status as an agricultural powerhouse.
He said the government’s wet‑season farming programme has distributed over 70,000 bags of fertilizer, improved seeds and irrigation equipment to farmers.
The governor highlighted that the state is opening up to high‑value investments, pointing to the commissioning of a multi‑million‑dollar lithium mining and processing plant as proof of commitment to resource development and job creation.
He further indicated that the administration is investing in infrastructure, including major road projects designed to boost transportation and commercial activity.
On the judiciary, Lawal said his government continues to safeguard its independence and has introduced automation in the court system 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,” he affirmed.
The governor appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, traders and youths to participate in the state’s development and set aside political and sectarian differences.
He also urged residents to stay vigilant, support security agencies and keep praying for peace and stability in Zamfara and across Nigeria.
“Insha Allah, the cloud of hardship is clearing and the dawn of prosperity is breaking upon Zamfara State,” he said.
Lawal expressed confidence that Zamfara will emerge as a modern, economically vibrant state in the North‑West and a key contributor to Nigeria’s growth.
He concluded by congratulating Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary and the people of Zamfara on the 30th anniversary of the state’s creation.