Zamfara Governor Moves to Challenge State’s Image as Centre of Sharia and Insecurity

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has launched a fresh defence of the state’s identity, arguing that Zamfara should no longer be defined nationally by its reputation for Sharia law and insecurity.

Lawal said his administration is working to change what he described as a deeply rooted perception that Zamfara is synonymous with religious restrictions and insecurity, insisting that the reality experienced by residents and visitors is more complex.

The governor made the remarks on Monday while speaking with journalists in Gusau, the state capital, where he reflected on how the state’s reputation has affected the way outsiders view Zamfara.

Governor: Zamfara is more than Sharia and insecurity

According to Lawal, two issues have dominated conversations about Zamfara for years: its status as a Sharia state and the security challenges that have affected parts of the state.

He said the combination has created an image that is difficult to change, particularly among people who have never visited Zamfara.

Lawal recalled that families once became extremely worried when relatives had to travel to the state because of fears associated with insecurity.

However, he argued that such perceptions do not fully represent present-day Zamfara.

The governor said one of his administration’s objectives is to encourage Nigerians to experience the state directly rather than relying solely on its historical reputation.

“The perception of Zamfara as Sharia and insecurity is wrong and it takes a while to change that perception,” Lawal said.

He added that visitors should be able to distinguish between the image projected about Zamfara and the experiences of people living and doing business in the state.

Governor highlights religious and cultural diversity

Lawal also sought to challenge the perception that Zamfara is socially closed or exclusively dominated by one ethnic or religious community.

He pointed to communities in Gusau, particularly Sabon Gari and Tudun Wada, as examples of the diversity within the state.

According to him, Sabon Gari has a significant Yoruba population, while Tudun Wada has a strong Igbo presence.

The governor used the examples to argue that people from different parts of Nigeria continue to live, work and conduct business in Zamfara.

“There are good people in Zamfara State,” Lawal said, while stressing that there is freedom of religion in the state.

His comments appear aimed not only at residents but also at Nigerians outside Zamfara who may have developed negative assumptions about the state.

What Sharia means in Zamfara

Zamfara became the first Nigerian state to formally introduce Sharia-based criminal law in 2000, a development that attracted considerable national and international attention.

The move subsequently influenced similar decisions by a number of northern states.

More than two decades later, the subject remains closely associated with Zamfara’s identity in national conversations.

Lawal, however, argued that the way Sharia is discussed and projected can sometimes create an exaggerated impression of how everyday life operates in the state.

He maintained that the existence of Sharia law does not mean that people from other religious or ethnic backgrounds cannot live in Zamfara.

That distinction is central to the governor’s broader effort to reshape the state’s public image.

Security remains a major part of Zamfara’s reputation

While Lawal focused heavily on perception, security remains an important issue for Zamfara.

The state has experienced serious banditry and kidnapping challenges over the years, particularly in rural communities. These security problems have affected farming, movement, education, trade and other economic activities.

For that reason, changing Zamfara’s image is likely to depend not only on public communication but also on sustained improvements in security.

A safer environment would make it easier for businesses, investors, tourists and other visitors to view the state differently.

Why Lawal’s comments matter

The governor’s remarks come at a time when states across northern Nigeria are seeking ways to attract investment while dealing with the economic and social consequences of insecurity.

For Zamfara, the challenge is particularly significant because its public image can influence how outsiders perceive opportunities in the state.

If businesses and individuals associate the state primarily with insecurity, they may be reluctant to travel there, invest in businesses or establish long-term operations.

Lawal’s message therefore goes beyond defending Zamfara’s religious identity. It is also an attempt to present the state as a place where people from different parts of Nigeria can live and conduct economic activities.

The bigger question for Zamfara

Changing a state’s reputation rarely happens through statements alone.

For Lawal’s argument to gain wider acceptance, improvements in security, freedom of movement, economic activity and social stability will likely need to become increasingly visible.

The governor’s comments provide one side of that conversation: the argument that Zamfara’s identity has been reduced to two issues.

The next test will be whether residents, visitors and businesses experience enough change on the ground for that perception to gradually shift.

For now, Lawal is asking Nigerians to look beyond the labels attached to Zamfara and judge the state by its people, communities and evolving realities.