President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally recognized Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal with the 2025 Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service, honoring his remarkable contributions to governance and security reform. The award ceremony, held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, saw Tinubu represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
According to a statement from Governor Lawal’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the event was organized by The Best Strategic Media in collaboration with the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. NEAPS, founded in 2022, celebrates individuals whose sustained efforts have positively impacted the nation.
Governor Lawal’s administration earned praise for the reforms introduced across multiple sectors in Zamfara. His tenure has brought order to the state civil service, prioritizing employee welfare and ensuring retirees receive their long-overdue benefits. Within just two years, over N15 billion in a 13-year backlog of gratuities for retired civil servants was settled. Workers’ minimum wage was raised from N7,000 to N70,000, and a 13th-month salary along with other incentives were introduced.
The award also highlighted Governor Lawal’s urban renewal initiatives, including the renovation, reconstruction, and equipping of more than 500 public schools, as well as the complete upgrading of general hospitals. In the security sector, his administration established Community Protection Guards, provided operational vehicles, fueled troops’ vehicles, acquired essential security equipment, and extended consistent support to security personnel.
The recognition by NEAPS underscores the governor’s dedication to rebuilding Zamfara, ensuring social welfare, and strengthening security. The award is expected to further inspire his ongoing commitment to the development and transformation of the state.
