For decades, Zamfara State’s local government system suffered from chronic neglect and inefficiencies, leaving people disconnected from effective governance at the grassroots level. Despite constitutional and statutory provisions designed to ensure robust local administration, bureaucratic delays, poor transparency, and mismanagement rendered the system dysfunctional and unresponsive to the needs of the people.
That narrative is changing under the transformative leadership of His Excellency, Dr.Dauda Lawal. From the moment he assumed office as Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Governor Lawal has shown an unwavering commitment to revitalizing local governance, restoring dignity, and delivering sustainable improvements that directly benefit the people.
Among Governor Lawal’s first major initiatives was addressing the plight of local government employees. In a historic and compassionate move, he raised their minimum wage to N30,000 from a meager N6,500-a figure that had shamefully remained unchanged for 24 years, despite relentless inflation and rising living costs.For over two decades, workers endured the indignity of wages that fell woefully short of meeting even basic human needs. This bold adjustment not only restores fairness but also underscores the indispensable role these employees play in driving effective grassroots service delivery.
To foster trust and financial security among local government workers,Governor Lawal introduced a policy guaranteeing salary payments no later than the 25th of every month.By instilling a culture of reliability and transparency, he has significantly boosted morale across the workforce.
Additionally, Governor Lawal launched a groundbreaking initiative to grant local government employees a 13th-month bonus. Designed to ease financial burdens, this initiative serves as both a reward for their hard work and a reinforcement of his vision for an inclusive and responsive government.
To sustain these welfare reforms, the Governor directed a comprehensive staff verification and rationalization exercise under the oversight of the Local Government Service Commission. This measure ensures employees are appropriately placed based on qualifications,experience,and merit, eliminating redundancy while promoting efficiency.
Modernization has been another cornerstone of Governor Lawal’s reforms. By introducing e-filing systems for personnel management, his administration has enhanced operational transparency and streamlined administrative processes, setting new governance benchmarks in Zamfara.
Among the Governor’s most impactful actions was the settlement of outstanding gratuity payments owed to retired local government staff since 2011. This initiative rectifies years of neglect and signals the administration’s commitment to accountability and fairness for those who served the state.
Meritocracy forms the foundation of Governor Lawal’s governance philosophy. Key appointments within the local government system, such as Directors and Unit Heads, are now determined solely based on qualifications, experience, and seniority. This approach has elevated leadership standards within the local government framework.
Through these decisive actions, Governor Dauda Lawal is setting an example for other states, demonstrating that grassroots governance can be efficient, transparent, and impactful. His dedication to employee welfare and bold reforms are not only rejuvenating Zamfara’s local government system but also positioning the state as a model of progress and good governance.
The impact is already evident. With a more accountable and efficient system in place,Zamfara’s people can look forward to tangible development projects and improved services at the grassroots level. Governor Lawal’s leadership has undoubtedly set the state on a trajectory of inclusive growth and long-term prosperity.
As Zamfara witnesses the rebirth of its local governance, the promise of a brighter future is undeniable. Governor Dauda Lawal’s reforms stand as a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership-an inspiring blueprint for a nation eager for meaningful change.
Mr Bukhari is the Secretary, Zamfara State Local Government Service Commission.
