By: John Bassey, Gusau.

In a bid to accelerate rural infrastructure development, boost security and economic growth, His Excellency Governor Dauda Lawal has appointed Engr Haruna Dikko as Director-General, Zamfara State Rural Access Road Agency (RARA). The appointment takes effect from April 1, 2026.

Disclosing the approval, the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada explained that RARA is established to focus on improving rural infrastructure, specifically roads and bridges, connecting rural areas to urban centres for inclusive economic growth across the state.

Governor Lawal’s administration has focused on driving growth through infrastructure development, prioritizing projects that accelerate economic activities and enhance the security of communities.

Alongside the Urban-renewal program that revitalizes cities, the administration has also awarded contracts for key rural roads including the 108km Magami to Dansadau road, 95km Tsafe to Yankuzo roads, valued at billions of Naira among others. These initiatives are aimed at transforming Zamfara state’s landscape in line with the rescue agenda.

Engr Haruna Dikko is a seasoned Civil Engineer and Oil & Gas professional with expertise in project management, public procurement and infrastructure development.

He has decades of extensive experience in government where he served in many strategic roles including Acting Director, Civil Works and Permanent Secretary in the State’s Ministry of Works & Infrastructure.

Engr Dikko holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a Master’s Degree in Oil & Gas Engineering from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland.

Governor Lawal expects the appointee to leverage on his technical and administrative prowess to improve rural roads condition in Zamfara state.