Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Woos Investors at 2026 CEO Forum, Outlines Strategy to Unlock Private Capital

In a deliberate effort to recalibrate the economic trajectory of Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal delivered a compelling address at the 2026 CEO Forum, focusing on the mechanics of sub-national competitiveness and capital attraction. Speaking before an audience of top-tier corporate leaders, institutional investors, and policy experts, Lawal emphasized that the competition among Nigerian states for increasingly selective private capital requires a fundamental shift in governance and strategic planning.

According to reports from the summit, Governor Lawal argued that for decades, sub-national governments have relied heavily on highlighting raw resource potential without offering the structured, de-risked frameworks necessary to convert those assets into bankable commercial ventures. He stressed that his administration is actively dismantling administrative bottlenecks to transform untapped agricultural and solid mineral deposits into secure, profitable investment propositions.

Addressing the critical issue of regional security—often cited as the primary deterrent to direct investment in the North-West—the Governor outlined ongoing security interventions and strategic collaboration with federal security agencies. Accounts presented at the forum indicate that targeted intelligence operations and localized economic empowerment initiatives are gradually stabilizing key commercial and agricultural corridors across the state.

Furthermore, Lawal highlighted institutional reforms designed to elevate the state's Ease of Doing Business ratings. These include digitizing land administration processes, streamlining tax administration to prevent double taxation, and establishing a dedicated investment promotion council to provide end-to-end concierge services for incoming corporate entities.