Gov Lawal: Northern Unity Key to Ending Insecurity, Growing Economy

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has called on governors of the 11 northern states to adopt a united strategy in addressing the pressing security and economic challenges facing the region.

Governor Lawal made the appeal on Monday while delivering opening remarks at the Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialisation Summit, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel. The summit was convened by the Northern Elders Forum, led by Professor Ango Abdullahi, and brought together key stakeholders to explore investment opportunities in sectors such as mining, agriculture, and energy.

In his address, Lawal emphasized the need for northern states to move beyond rhetoric and embrace concrete collaboration to attract investment and drive sustainable industrialisation.

“Insecurity remains the biggest obstacle to development in our region,” he said. “A safe North is a bankable North. No investor will commit capital where there is no security.”

He urged northern governors to integrate their security frameworks, share intelligence, and enhance community policing to create a more stable environment conducive to growth.

To strengthen regional economic cooperation, Lawal proposed the establishment of a Northern Nigerian Economic Compact, which would bring together the 19 northern states to coordinate policy, co-invest in critical infrastructure—such as power, rail, and broadband—and present a unified front to investors.