Reported by: Ijeoma .G | Edited by Henry Owen
Abuja – Governor Dauda Lawal has called on the 19 northern states to establish a binding commitment to speak with one voice on security and economic matters, emphasizing that regional unity is critical to unlocking investment and fostering sustainable growth. The governor made the remarks on Monday while chairing the first day of the Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialization Summit at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
The summit, organized by the Northern Elders Forum under the leadership of Professor Ango Abdullahi, brought together political leaders, business executives, and sector stakeholders to deliberate on strategic opportunities in mining, agriculture, and power—sectors the governor described as the pillars upon which the North’s prosperity must be built. Governor Lawal highlighted the paradox of Northern Nigeria’s abundant natural and agricultural resources and the persistent underdevelopment in the region. He urged leaders to go beyond rhetoric and adopt collaborative approaches that convert potential into tangible progress.
A key focus of the governor’s address was security, which he stressed as a prerequisite for investment. He noted that investors, both local and international, will not commit capital to regions where safety is uncertain. “We must integrate our security architectures, share intelligence in real time, and foster greater community policing to create a secure and predictable environment,” he said. Governor Lawal also detailed ongoing initiatives in Zamfara State, including formalization of the mining sector, agricultural mechanization, and infrastructure upgrades aimed at attracting industrial investment.
Business leaders and economists welcomed the governor’s call for a Northern Economic Compact, noting that a coordinated regional approach could significantly improve investor confidence. Dr. Ibrahim Shehu, an economist based in Kaduna, observed, “A Northern Compact could reduce bureaucratic fragmentation, streamline approvals for investors, and create a coherent strategy for infrastructure development. It signals to domestic and foreign investors that the region is serious about stability and economic growth.”
Local business communities echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that improved security coordination and collective economic planning could boost trade, attract new industries, and create jobs across the North. “If leaders speak with one voice and implement complementary policies, we can finally harness the North’s vast resources and see meaningful economic transformation,” said Amina Bello, a Kaduna-based entrepreneur.
Public reaction on social media also highlighted optimism, with many residents applauding Governor Lawal’s emphasis on unity and long-term planning. Observers noted that by combining security and economic initiatives under a coordinated framework, the Northern states can set a new standard for regional governance in Nigeria.
Analysts also pointed to the governor’s vision of co-investing in critical infrastructure such as power, rail, and fibre optics as a practical pathway to accelerate industrialization and integration across Northern Nigeria. By presenting concrete examples of ongoing efforts in Zamfara, Governor Lawal sought to demonstrate that the compact would not be merely symbolic but a platform for actionable collaboration.
The summit concluded with consensus among participants that a unified Northern approach, focused on security, investment, and industrialization, could position the region as a competitive hub for economic activity in Nigeria. Observers say this could mark the beginning of a new era where Northern states leverage their collective resources and policy alignment to achieve sustainable development.
Governor Lawal’s call for a Northern Nigerian Economic Compact thus represents both a strategic economic vision and a blueprint for regional cohesion, aimed at ensuring that the North not only secures its resources but also maximizes their impact for the welfare of its citizens.
📩 Stone Reporters News
🌍 stonereportersnews.com | ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com
📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNews
I can also draft a complementary sidebar summarizing the key initiatives Governor Lawal highlighted—mining formalization, agricultural modernization, and security coordination—to make the report even more reader-friendly.
Do you want me to do that?
Add comment
Comments