Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has called for a unified and binding agreement among the 19 Northern States to present a cohesive stance on security and economic development.
He made these remarks while presiding as chairman on the opening day of the Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialisation Summit held at the Abuja Continental Hotel on Monday.
According to a statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the summit was convened by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), under the leadership of Professor Ango Abdullahi.
The summit, themed ‘Unlocking Strategic Opportunities,’ brought together key stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria to explore collaborative growth prospects.
In his address, Governor Lawal praised the Northern Elders Forum for their unwavering dedication to advancing the region’s development.
He remarked, “By organizing this summit around the theme ‘Unlocking Strategic Opportunities,’ you have once again highlighted a focused vision for our shared future.”
“The emphasis on sectors such as Mining, Agriculture, and Power is deliberate. These areas represent the foundational pillars essential for the economic upliftment of Northern Nigeria. Zamfara, for instance, is a state rich in mineral resources and fertile land, yet the benefits of these assets have not fully reached our people.”
“As leaders, the challenge before us is not identifying what must be done, but determining how we can collectively transform our abundant potential into tangible prosperity. To attract vital investments and drive industrialization that benefits the entire nation, we must transcend mere dialogue and embrace a spirit of genuine cooperation.”
Governor Lawal emphasized that a secure Northern region is crucial for economic viability, urging leaders from all 19 states to strengthen collaboration beyond political divides.
“Ensuring the safety of our citizens and investments is paramount. Security forms the bedrock of sustainable development. Investors, whether local or foreign, are pragmatic-they will not invest where risks are high. We need to harmonize our security frameworks, facilitate real-time intelligence sharing, and enhance community policing to foster a stable and predictable environment.”
“In Zamfara, we are committed to transitioning from informal and illegal mining activities to a system characterized by formal regulation and value addition. Our agricultural sector is being revitalized through mechanization, agro-processing initiatives, and improved access to financing. All these efforts depend on creating a secure and stable atmosphere.”
“Today, I urge the establishment of a Northern Nigerian Economic Compact-a binding pact among the 19 states to unify our voice on security and economic issues. We should develop a Single Window platform to streamline investment processes across the region and jointly invest in critical infrastructure such as power generation, rail networks, and fiber optic connectivity that link our states,” Governor Lawal concluded.
