Lawal lauds NEAPS for award on governance, security reforms

Dauda Lawal has received the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) 2025 in Governance and Security Reform in Zamfara.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, on Monday said that President Bola Tinubu presented the award to Lawal and other 43 recipients at an event organised by The Best Strategic Media (TBS) in partnership with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The president was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, at the NEAPS 2025 award dinner held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

Idris added that NEAPS, founded in 2022, aims to recognize individuals who made sustained positive contributions across the country.

He said, ” Lawal was recognised by the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) 2025 for the reforms his administration introduced across various sectors in Zamfara.

“The administration of Lawal has brought sanity to the Zamfara Civil Service, prioritising the welfare of civil servants and ensuring that retirees receive their retirement benefits.

“While presenting the NEAPS award to Lawal, his efforts in two years in office to settled over N15 billion in a 13-year backlog of gratuities for Zamfara retired civil servants were highlighted.

“The notable increase in workers’ minimum wage from N7,000 to N70,000, his administration’s gesture of giving a 13th-month salary to workers, and other incentives were also mentioned.

“Additional accomplishments listed by NEAPS included Governor Lawal’s urban renewal projects, the reconstruction, renovation, and equipping of over 500 public schools across the state, as well as his progress in the health sector, such as the complete renovation and equipping of all general hospitals.”

According to Idris, NEAPS also cited Lawal’s efforts in security, which included establishing the Community Protection Guards, providing operational vehicles to security personnel, fueling troops’ vehicles, acquiring security equipment, and offering regular support to security forces.

He added, “This national award will motivate the governor to continue his relentless efforts to rescue and rebuild Zamfara State.”

Our correspondent reports that other recipients of the NEAPS awards included Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi and Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom.

‎Others were the Finance Minister, Wale Edun, Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap and NFIU CEO, Hafsat Bakari.

‎Additional honourees included NEMA D-G Zubaida Umar, CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, Minister of State for Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, NDLEA Chairman retired Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa and the Information Minister, Mohammed Idris.