In Zamfara, 9 a.m is 9 a.m: How Lawal is killing ‘African time’ mentality, By Yusuf Ladan

Nigerians are widely known for what is popularly described as “African time” a culture of lateness where an event scheduled for 9:00 a.m may not begin until 10:00 a.m or even 11:00 a.m.

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Over time, this habit has become normalised in our society, with people often arriving late to appointments, meetings and official functions without considering the inconvenience it causes others.

However, my working experience as part of the press team of Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has significantly changed my perception of time management and challenged my long-held African Time stereotype.

On my first day in Gusau, I approached government functions with the usual mindset, assuming that even when an event was scheduled for a particular time, there would always be some extra minutes before it commenced.

Like many Nigerians, I would sometimes add a few minutes to the scheduled time before setting out for an event, believing that punctuality was not necessarily a strict requirement.

But that assumption was quickly challenged.

On my first day attending an official function involving the governor, I arrived only to discover that I had been locked out just a few minutes before the scheduled commencement time.

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It was then that I was told something that has remained with me: “Governor Dauda Lawal’s 9:00 a.m. means 9:00 a.m., and his 2:00 p.m. means 2:00 p.m.” That experience became a turning point for me.

Gradually, I adjusted to the governor’s schedule and developed the habit of arriving at least 30 minutes before his expected arrival.

For over a month of observing his official engagements, I have yet to witness Governor Dauda Lawal arrive late for a scheduled function.

In fact, there was an occasion when the governor arrived ahead of schedule while some participants were yet to arrive.

This consistency has gradually influenced the conduct of government appointees, political office holders, civil servants and other participants attending official functions.

People now understand that keeping to time is not negotiable because the governor does not compromise on punctuality.

Beyond the personal discipline it demands, this culture sends a strong message about leadership, respect for other people’s time and the importance of institutional efficiency.

When a leader takes time seriously, those working with him are compelled to do the same. It also helps to change the mindset that lateness is an acceptable part of our social and official engagements.

My experience in Zamfara under Governor Dauda Lawal has taught me that punctuality is not just about arriving early; it is about discipline, responsibility and respect for others.

Perhaps, one of the less-discussed changes taking place in Zamfara under Governor Dauda Lawal is this growing culture of punctuality.

In Zamfara, at least from what I have personally observed, African Time is gradually losing its place. Governor Dauda Lawal has made it clear that when time is fixed, it must be respected.

And that is a leadership lesson worth taking beyond the walls of Government House.

* Yusuf Ladan is a Gusau, Zamfara State-based journalist

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