Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has received the Blueprint Newspapers’ 2026 Efficient Public Resource Management and Transparency Award for his administration’s approach to financial accountability and public resource management.
Lawal received the award on Tuesday in Abuja during the eighth edition of the Blueprint Annual Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
The event focused on the theme, “Security Challenges and Integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections.”
Blueprint Newspapers said it recognised Lawal for what it described as careful management of public funds and efforts to promote financial accountability and open governance in Zamfara State.
According to the award citation, Lawal’s administration has emphasised responsible budgeting and the effective use of public resources.
The newspaper also said the government had focused on ensuring that public funds support projects that directly benefit residents.
Blueprint linked the administration’s efforts to development in areas including security, education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Lawal Reacts to the Recognition
Receiving the award, Governor Lawal thanked the management of Blueprint Newspapers for the recognition.
He said the award demonstrated that his administration’s efforts had attracted attention beyond Zamfara State.
The governor said his government had recorded progress during its three years in office, particularly in security, education, healthcare, the economy, human capital development and infrastructure.
Lawal also linked the reported progress to his administration’s emphasis on transparent governance.
He said the government would continue working towards rescuing and rebuilding Zamfara State.
Blueprint Highlights Zamfara Projects
The Managing Director of Blueprint Newspapers, Salisu Umar, described Lawal as a public servant with broad professional experience.
Umar said Lawal’s background in diplomacy, banking and politics had contributed to his approach to public leadership.
He said the governor had pursued policies aimed at strengthening public institutions and supporting economic growth.
Blueprint also highlighted infrastructure projects across Zamfara State, including road construction and rehabilitation.
According to the newspaper, the projects are intended to improve transportation and strengthen connections between communities, while better road networks could also support trade and other economic activities.
Security and Social Services
Security also featured prominently in the award citation.
Blueprint said the Zamfara Government had supported measures aimed at protecting rural communities and creating conditions that could enable displaced residents to return to their homes.
The newspaper also cited efforts in education and healthcare.
It said the Lawal administration considers education an important tool for reducing poverty, while efforts have also been made to improve healthcare delivery across the state.
Award Comes Ahead of 2027 Elections
The award ceremony brought together government officials, security chiefs, political leaders and civil society representatives.
Discussions at the event focused on security challenges and the need to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
For Governor Lawal, the recognition adds to the public assessment of his administration’s record in managing public resources and implementing development programmes in Zamfara State.
The governor said the recognition would further encourage his administration to continue its efforts towards transparent governance and the development of the state.
