Zamfara Governor Calls for Northern Economic and Security Alliance

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has urged the 19 northern states to forge a binding compact to speak with a unified voice on security and economic development.

Governor Lawal made the appeal on Monday during the Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialisation Summit held at the Abuja Continental Hotel. The summit, convened by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) under the leadership of Ango Abdullahi, carried the theme, “Unlocking Strategic Opportunities.”

In a statement by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, Governor Lawal commended the NEF for its enduring commitment to the growth of the region.

“By convening this gathering under the theme ‘Unlocking Strategic Opportunities,’ you have once again demonstrated a clear-eyed focus on our collective future,” he said.

Highlighting sectors such as mining, agriculture, and power, Lawal described them as “strategic pillars” essential for the prosperity of northern Nigeria. He noted that despite Zamfara’s abundance of mineral wealth and fertile land, the people have yet to fully benefit from these resources.

“The real challenge for leaders is not identifying what should be done but translating potential into prosperity through investment and industrialisation,” the governor said.

Governor Lawal emphasised that security must underpin all development efforts, warning that investors would be reluctant to commit funds in unsafe environments.

“Security is the fundamental prerequisite for meaningful development. Investors, both domestic and international, are realists they will not commit capital where it is not safe,” he said.

He urged states to integrate their security systems, share intelligence in real-time, and strengthen community policing to ensure a predictable environment for both citizens and investors.

Speaking on Zamfara’s initiatives, Lawal said the state is formalising the mining sector, promoting agricultural mechanisation, and enhancing regulatory frameworks to attract investment and encourage value addition.

“In Zamfara, our commitment is clear. We are moving from informality and illegality in mining to a regime of formalisation, regulation, and value addition. We are also revitalising agriculture through mechanisation, agro-processing, and improved access to credit,” he said.

The governor concluded by advocating for the establishment of a Northern Nigerian Economic Compact, a framework for institutionalised cooperation among the 19 states. He suggested the creation of a single window for major investors and co-investment in critical infrastructure such as power, rail, and fibre optics to enhance regional integration.

“My call to action today is for a Northern Nigerian Economic Compact — a binding commitment among the 19 states to speak with one voice on security and economic matters,” he said.