The Zamfara State Government has announced plans to launch a groundbreaking Social Protection Policy and Law aimed at strengthening the state’s social systems to address the needs of its most vulnerable populations.
Governor Dauda Lawal disclosed this on Wednesday during a pre-launch meeting at the Government House in Gusau with UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Cristian Munduate, alongside officials from the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI).
In a statement released on Thursday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, Governor Lawal emphasised the significance of the initiative, describing it as essential to fostering inclusivity and providing a safety net for all residents of Zamfara State.
Governor Lawal outlined key aspects of the project, which includes the state’s Gender Policy and Child Protection Law. These frameworks aim to dismantle barriers, ensure equal access to opportunities, and safeguard children’s rights and welfare.
Additionally, the Zamfara State Disability Law was highlighted as a crucial step towards eliminating discrimination against persons with disabilities, improving accessibility, and promoting societal inclusion. The law, which involves inputs from stakeholders, is set to be reviewed for greater inclusivity, with a dedicated board to oversee its implementation.
Governor Lawal also addressed strides in the health sector, following the declaration of a state of emergency. Through the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), the state has renovated 61 health facilities, including 10 general hospitals, and intervened in 51 primary health clinics.
Key projects include the renovation and upgrade of the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital and General Hospitals in Talata Mafara and Shinkafi into zonal referral centres, commencement of a Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) centre to address maternal health complications, and the approval for the construction of an advanced diagnostic centre.
The state has also made significant progress in combating vaccine-preventable diseases. Mutant poliovirus has been eradicated, and cases of measles, meningitis, and yellow fever have been significantly reduced. In 2024, Zamfara recorded just two diphtheria cases despite outbreaks in neighbouring states.
Governor Lawal lauded GAVI for its role in improving healthcare delivery in Zamfara, noting that the organisation connected 50 primary healthcare centres to solar power, enabling round-the-clock services. Additional contributions include the provision of motorised solar boreholes, toilets in 29 healthcare centres, and the enrolment of 33,000 vulnerable women and children into the state health insurance scheme.
Cristian Munduate, the UNICEF Nigeria Representative, commended Zamfara’s achievements, describing the state as the first subnational health system globally to receive GAVI support. “The results in Zamfara are visible and will motivate GAVI to continue supporting health interventions at this level,” she said.
The Social Protection Policy and Law, alongside ongoing health and social reforms, underscores Zamfara’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens and providing a model for sustainable development in Nigeria.
