Tinubu presents national excellence award to Zamfara governor Lawal
By: Zagazola Makama
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has presented the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) 2025 on Governance and Security Reform to Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.
The award, announced at a ceremony held on Sunday night at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, was received on behalf of the President by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume.
A statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the event was organised by The Best Strategic Media (TBS) in partnership with the Office of the SGF.
According to the statement, Gov. Lawal was honoured for implementing far-reaching reforms across critical sectors in Zamfara, particularly civil service restructuring, security enhancement, education, and healthcare development.
The organisers highlighted the governor’s settlement of over N15 billion in gratuities, clearing a 13-year backlog owed to retired civil servants. They also noted the unprecedented increase in workers’ minimum wage from N7,000 to N70,000, alongside the introduction of a 13th-month salary and other welfare incentives.
“In two years, the administration has restored sanity to the Zamfara civil service, prioritised workers’ welfare, and ensured prompt settlement of retirement benefits,” the statement said.
The governor was also commended for infrastructure investments, including an extensive urban renewal initiative and the reconstruction, renovation, and equipping of more than 500 public schools across the state.
In the health sector, NEAPS cited the comprehensive renovation and upgrading of all general hospitals in Zamfara as part of Gov. Lawal’s service delivery achievements.
The award further recognised his efforts in strengthening security through the establishment of the Community Protection Guards, provision of operational vehicles, fuel supply for troops, acquisition of modern security equipment, and sustained support to security agencies.
Idris added that the national honour would further inspire Gov. Lawal to intensify efforts toward the ongoing “rescue and rebuild” agenda for the state.
