Lawal Dauda

Dauda Lawal, born on 2 September 1965 in Zamfara State, is a Nigerian banker and politician who holds qualifications including an FSLC GCE BSc. (Political Science) from Court Order, alongside degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, and Harvard Business School.

He has served as the governor of Zamfara State since his election in 2023 under the PDP platform, defeating incumbent Governor Bello Matawalle. Lawal’s political career includes roles in public administration and international diplomacy before transitioning into banking.

Educated at Ahmadu Bello University (1987) with a B.Sc. in Political Science, he later earned an M.Sc. in Political Science/International Relations from the same institution in 1992 and a PhD in Business Administration from Usmanu Danfodiyo University.

His professional journey began in 1989 as a political education officer with the Agency for Mass Mobilization for Social and Economic Reliance Nigeria. He later worked at Westex Nigeria Limited before joining diplomatic service, including roles as assistant consular officer (immigration) and chief protocol officer at the Embassy of Nigeria, Washington D.C.

A career in banking began in 2003 with First Bank of Nigeria Plc., where he rose through ranks to executive director, Public Sector North. His tenure included positions such as relationship manager, commercial banking; senior manager; business development manager; and deputy general manager (business development) in Abuja.

Lawal ran for governor of Zamfara State in the APC primary election in 2018 but lost to Mukhtar Shehu Idris. He later aligned with PDP, securing its nomination as flag bearer in 2022. In March 2023, he defeated incumbent Bello Matawalle in the gubernatorial election, winning 377,726 votes against 311,976 for APC’s candidate.

His governance efforts included project completion in Bakura, Aradun, Gummi, Bukkuyum, and Maru Local Government Areas during his first year. Allegations of corruption involving $40 million traced to his First Bank tenure have prompted investigations by anti-graft agencies, including the EFCC.

Notably recognized for business excellence, Lawal received awards such as the FirstBank CEO Merit Award (2006) and Distinguished Award for Project Innovation at NEAPS Awards (2024).