The Zamfara State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, has reiterated its dedication to strengthening public institutions to enhance security and foster sustainable development in the state.
This was disclosed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Abubakar Mohammed Nakwada, on Tuesday while delivering remarks at the 2nd Faculty of Management and Social Sciences International Conference held at the Federal University, Gusau.
In a statement issued to The Spectacles by Suleman Ahmad Tudu, Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the SSG, it was revealed that the conference was themed “Insecurity, Post-Oil Subsidy Removal, and Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Lawal Hussein, the SSG highlighted the formidable challenges inherited by the current administration, particularly the pervasive insecurity plaguing the state. Despite these hurdles, Governor Lawal has spearheaded significant reforms over the past year, aimed at setting Zamfara on a trajectory toward lasting prosperity.
“For over a decade, Zamfara State and the entire northwest region have been gripped by a relentless wave of banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other criminal activities. This has cast the state in a negative light, often perceived as a lawless region where criminal elements operate with impunity. These challenges have severely hampered the state’s progress compared to its counterparts. However, we remain resolute in our commitment to change this narrative,” Nakwada stated.
“Our administration, under the distinguished leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, has been diligently working over the past 14 months to rebuild public institutions, harness the state’s potential, and steer it toward sustainable development and progress.”
Nakwada emphasized that these efforts are rooted in principles of prudence, transparency, and people-centered leadership, with gradual reforms being implemented across all sectors of the state’s economy.
Among the key initiatives highlighted were the establishment of a Security Trust Fund and the introduction of Community Protection Guards, locally known as Askarawa. These measures are aimed at bolstering security management across the state.
“We recognize that our ambitious goals cannot be realized if we do not address the pressing security challenges. This is why we have set up the Community Protection Guards and the Security Trust Fund, with a Board of Trustees chaired by former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji M. D. Abubakar, and comprising other distinguished individuals from the state,” Nakwada explained.
Addressing the economic challenges following the removal of fuel subsidies, Nakwada expressed optimism that the conference would serve as a platform for critically examining Nigeria’s current situation, assessing the federal government’s policies, and proposing actionable solutions.
“We eagerly anticipate the communiqué that will emerge from this conference, as it will offer valuable insights and guidance for our state and the nation in navigating the twin challenges of insecurity and economic instability,” the SSG concluded.
