The Zamfara State House of Assembly has commended Governor Dauda Lawal’s key achievements towards ensuring the even development of the state.

The Speaker of the house, Isma’ila Moriki, stated this while receiving Mr Lawal to the assembly for the presentation of the 2026 budget proposal in the state.

He said? “We are highly impressed to welcome Governor Dauda Lawal for the presentation of 2026 budget proposal in the fulfilment of our constitutional mandate and responsibility in the annual budget process.

“In line with democratic norms and practices, this event serves as a platform for annual engagement where the Executive and Legislative Arms of Government meet, interact, and plan the government projections for revenue generation.

“Members of the 7th assembly share the glorious feeling that, from the inception of this administration to date, annual budgets have remained compatible to Rescue Mission Agenda.”

The speaker extolled the commitment of Mr Lawal, saying, “He is standing like the Rock of Gibraltar, in the pursuit of the six-point Rescue Mission Agenda focused on security, agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social intervention for economic development.

“With this multi-sectoral approach designed to pull the state out of decades of neglect, insecurity, weak infrastructure, economic decline, and weak public services, the ball was set rolling, following due process in all previous budgetary processes.

“The administration’s commitments to key socio-economic sectors, notably are infrastructures that includ urban renewal projects; renovation and construction of healthcare facilities; renovation and construction of classrooms; completion of the airport; construction in Gusau – Magami –Dansadau road.”

On security sector, Mr Moriki cited the establishment of the State Security Trust Fund; establishment of Community Protection Guards, provision of vehicles and logistics to security personnel.

“On Social Intervention, payment of backlog of gratuities to our retired civil servants; grants to Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises; conditional cash transfer to adolescent girls through AGILE Project, and establishment of the State Disability Board for inclusivity.

“Also on civil service reform:
training and re-training of public and civil servants; e-governance and digitisstion of government services;
renovation and upgrade of offices among others.”

According to Mr Moriki, these achievements are laying the foundation for a monumental legacy by which posterity will judge Mr Lawal’s stewardship.

“It is now seen clearly, much more than ever before why there is tangible cause to celebrate the wise and timely choice made by the good people of Zamfara State in the 2023 general elections.

“Distinguished personalities, you can all bear me witness that the above review of the previous year’s budget demonstrates a clear direction and sincere commitment toward the betterment of our society,” he added

The speaker said that the house remained optimistic that this year’s budget would complement the achievements already recorded.

Mr Moriki added, “The various indicators show that Zamfara State is on the verge of becoming one of the fastest-growing states in terms of infrastructure, e-governance, and internally generated revenue.

“It is our hope that the ongoing review and development of the State Development Plan will soon be completed. This will enable the house and key stakeholders to align our annual budgets and other sectoral policies with the SDGs goals, in conformity with the Rescue Mission Agenda.

“As we begin to scrutinize this budget and invite Ministries Department Agencies to defend their proposals, our guiding principles will include stock-taking and human-needs assessment through engagements with our constituents and relevant authorities.

“This is to ensure that we deliver a budget that is both citizen-centered and realistic.”

Mr Moriki said the doors of the house remained open for inputs and advice from partners, recognised CSOs, individuals, and groups.

He added, “Therefore, I assure Your Excellency that the house will deliberate and follow due process to hasten the passage of this budget for efficient implementation.

“On our part as lawmakers, it is never out of place to recapitulate our contributions which complement your excellency’s achievements from the onset of this administration to date.

“Recall vividly that we have deliberated upon and passed many bills into law under my leadership. These laws, along with several resolutions, were aimed at addressing insecurity and cushioning the effects of poverty and vulnerability among the residents of the state.

“Prominent among these bills include: law establishing the Zamfara Community Protection Guard;
A law establishing the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund; A Law establishing the Zamfara State Roads Funds Board for funding Class C and D Roads in the State, among others.”

Mr Moriki condoled with the governor and the good people of the state especially the families of those who lost their lives, property, or suffered various degrees of injury due to the recent security challenges.

“I pray that Almighty Allah grants the deceased eternal rest, heals the injured, and replace all the lost properties with what is most appropriate. Amin.

“On behalf of the honourable members, I express our sincere appreciation to His Excellency for his constant support and response to matters presented to him by this house.

“The ongoing general overhaul and upgrade of our chamber will, no doubt, provide a more conducive working environment for better service delivery.

“Finally, I appreciate our constituents for entrusting us with the mandate to serve.
Be assured that every action taken in this chamber is guided by good faith and a commitment to your aspirations, as we strive to build a better society now and in the future.”

The speaker called for fervent prayers, continuous support, and cooperation, vowing to continue to offer themselves in service to humanity.

Mr Moriki said the house would continue to monitor its implementation through an effective oversight, hence the need for all MDAs to ensure budgetary compliance in their expenditures.
(NAN)