THE governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has called on governors from the northern region to adopt a unified stance on issues of security and economic development.
Speaking at the Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialization Summit, held yesterday at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Lawal stressed the need for collective action to unlock the region’s potential.
The event, organised by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) under the leadership of Professor Ango Abdullahi, brought together key stakeholders from across the North.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, Lawal commended the NEF for its consistent commitment to regional progress, noting that the summit’s theme, “Unlocking Strategic Opportunities,” reflected the urgent need for action.
He identified mining, agriculture, and power as the sectors most critical to northern prosperity, adding that despite vast mineral and agricultural resources, the region had yet to fully benefit.
“The question is no longer what needs to be done but how we can turn potential into prosperity,” Lawal said, urging collaboration to attract investment and drive industrialization.
The governor underscored the link between security and development, warning that investors would only commit resources in a safe and stable environment.
He called for the integration of security strategies across the 19 northern states, real-time intelligence sharing, and stronger community policing.
Highlighting steps taken in Zamfara, Lawal said his administration was moving from informal and illegal mining activities toward a regulated, value-driven sector.
He also pointed to efforts in mechanized agriculture, agro-processing, and credit access, alongside initiatives to strengthen security.
He concluded with a call for a “Northern Nigerian Economic Compact,” which would unite all 19 states in a binding commitment to act as one on key issues.
He proposed a single investment window for major investors and joint investment in infrastructure such as power, rail, and fibre optics.