UN Deputy Secretary-General Visits Zamfara, Applauds Lawal’s Reform Agenda as State Rolls Out Development Plan

The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, on Thursday paid a high-level visit to Zamfara State, where she met with Governor Dauda Lawal and reviewed his administration’s development agenda aimed at rebuilding the state.

The visit, held in Gusau, featured closed-door discussions at the Government House, a tour of selected infrastructure projects, and a joint media briefing. It represents one of the most senior UN engagements in the North-West state in recent years.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Mohammed commended the state government’s efforts at reform and stabilisation, pointing to visible improvements in governance and infrastructure.

She noted that Zamfara is becoming more accessible and investor-friendly, highlighting initiatives such as revenue digitisation and civil service reforms as indicators of progress toward long-term growth and stability.

Her comments come against the backdrop of Zamfara’s recent security challenges, which had previously limited access for international organisations due to banditry, kidnappings, and weak infrastructure.

During the engagement, Governor Lawal formally presented a 97-page development document titled Zamfara State Development Plan 2024–2028, described by his team as the “Zamfara Rising” blueprint.

The plan outlines four key priorities: strengthening security and rule of law; reviving the economy through agriculture and mining reforms; investing in human capital, including education and healthcare; and expanding infrastructure, particularly rural roads and digital connectivity.

Governor Lawal said the blueprint represents a commitment to the people of the state and a call for collaboration with development partners. He reiterated his administration’s readiness to work with international institutions to improve living conditions and attract investment, noting that Zamfara is transitioning from crisis management to structured development.

Despite ongoing concerns about security in some rural areas, the visit has been seen as a sign of growing confidence in the state’s recovery efforts.

Mohammed disclosed that the UN would send a technical team to Zamfara within 30 days to support the alignment of the state’s development strategy with its cooperation framework for Nigeria.

She also indicated the possibility of a donor conference later in 2026, which could attract funding support from global institutions, including the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the European Union.

The development signals cautious optimism for Zamfara as it seeks to overcome years of instability and reposition itself for sustainable growth.