Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has received the Award of Excellence from the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) in recognition of his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and social protection delivery.

The award was presented during a stakeholder engagement event with local government chairmen, held at the Transcorp Congress Hall in Abuja.

NASSCO, a federal agency operating under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, is responsible for implementing social safety-net programmes designed to protect and empower vulnerable populations across Nigeria.

In her remarks while presenting the award, the National Coordinator of NASSCO, Dr. Funmi Olotu, stated that the honour reflects Governor Lawal’s dedication to improving social protection systems and promoting inclusive governance in Zamfara State.

Accepting the award, Governor Lawal commended the Federal Government, the World Bank, and other development partners for their continued support of ongoing reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection architecture.

“This engagement is timely and strategic,” Governor Lawal said. “In Nigeria, especially in conflict-affected states like Zamfara, social protection has shifted from welfare to a vital tool for governance, security, poverty reduction, and community resilience.”

He noted that insecurity in Zamfara has led to displacement, disruption of livelihoods, food insecurity, and significant economic hardship, which disproportionately affects women, children, displaced persons, people with disabilities, and rural communities.

The Governor stressed the need for better coordination, transparency, data-driven targeting, and stronger collaboration among federal, state, and local governments to ensure resources reach those who need them most.

He also praised the expansion of the National Social Register and the integration of the National Identification Number (NIN), describing these as steps that improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability in service delivery.

Governor Lawal further called for inclusive development that goes beyond cash transfers to include livelihood support, skills training, agriculture, healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and community resilience. “This will help vulnerable populations move from dependency to sustainable participation,” he said.