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) granted by a court order, alongside degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, and Harvard Business School.

He is a devout Muslim with a career spanning education in political science and international relations before transitioning into banking. His academic credentials include a B.Sc. in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University (1987), an M.Sc. in Political Science/International Relations (1992), and a PhD in Business Administration from Usmanu Danfodiyo University.

Lawal began his professional journey in 1989 as a political education officer with the Agency for Mass Mobilization for Social and Economic Reliance Nigeria, later joining Westex Nigeria Limited in 1989. In 1994, he served as an assistant consular officer (immigration) before becoming a chief protocol officer at the Embassy of Nigeria, Washington D.C.

He joined First Bank of Nigeria Plc in May 2003, rising through various roles including relationship manager, commercial banking; senior manager; business development manager; principal manager; deputy general manager; and finally executive vice president and executive director for Public Sector North. His tenure included appointments as executive vice president (2010–2011) and executive director (since 2012).

Lawal’s political career includes participation in gubernatorial primaries: he contested the APC primary in 2018 but lost to Mukhtar Shehu Idris. He later ran again under the PDP in 2022, securing nomination as their flag bearer.

In March 2023, Lawal defeated incumbent Governor Bello Matawalle of the APC in the gubernatorial election, winning 377,726 votes against Matawalle’s 311,976. The result marked a significant upset, with PDP achieving its first governorship victory in Zamfara since 1999.

During his first year as governor, he oversaw projects in Bakura, Aradun, Gummi, Bukkuyum, and Maru Local Government Areas. His tenure has also faced scrutiny over allegations of corruption involving $40 million traced to his First Bank account, prompting calls for investigations by anti-graft agencies.

Lawal has received awards for excellence in banking, including the FirstBank CEO Merit Award for Outstanding Performance (2006) and the Distinguished Award for Project Innovation at NEAPS Awards (2024).