Zamfara Gov, Lawal, Wins National Excellence Award In Public Service (NEAPS) From FG

Anthony Ufoh

The Zarafara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, is the recipient of the Nigeria Excellence Award In Public Service (NEAPS ) for the 2025 edition.

The governor was bestowed with the award due to his huge contributions to good governance and security in the state, according to the Federal Government.

The ceremony, which was held on 7 Sunday, December 2025, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. The occasion was graced by dignitaries like the Secretary To The Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

Governor Lawal’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala, in a statement, disclosed that 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 read.

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.