Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has called on corporate leaders to align their business decisions with strategic national opportunities to unlock productive investments and foster inclusive economic growth.
The governor made this call during the CEO Forum 2026, where he delivered a Special Policy Address and the NGWF Presentation. The event focused on the necessity of connecting available capital to viable opportunities to ensure that economic expansion benefits a broader section of the population.
The forum, organised by the Global Compact Network Nigeria, centered on the theme of financing for sustainable development. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap between private sector capital and the structural needs of the Nigerian economy, particularly in underdeveloped regions.
During the CEO Forum 2026, Lawal emphasized that for economic growth to be truly inclusive, business decisions must move beyond short-term profit seeking toward long-term value creation. He argued that aligning corporate strategies with state-level productive priorities is the most effective way to generate sustainable wealth.
For Zamfara State, this strategic alignment is a priority as the administration works to transition the state from a period of volatility to one of economic productivity. The state possesses significant untapped potential in solid minerals, including gold, and large-scale agriculture, both of which require substantial private capital to reach industrial capacity.
The Global Compact Network Nigeria serves as the local chapter of the United Nations Global Compact, promoting the adoption of sustainable and socially responsible policies. By presenting at this forum, Lawal is positioning Zamfara as an open destination for investments that adhere to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.
Strategic investment in sub-national economies
The governor’s address highlighted the need for a synergy between government policy frameworks and private sector capital. He noted that when business decisions are aligned with the productive priorities of the state, the result is a more resilient economy and a reduction in youth unemployment.
This approach aligns with broader Nigerian economic objectives of diversifying the economy away from oil dependence. By encouraging CEOs to look toward the agricultural and mining belts of the North West, the government aims to create a decentralised growth model that reduces the economic pressure on urban centers.
However, the actualisation of these investments remains dependent on the continued improvement of the security situation in the region. Historically, insecurity has acted as a deterrent for large-scale corporate entry into Zamfara, making the governor’s appeal for trust and alignment essential for the state’s recovery.
The presentation also discussed the NGWF (Nigeria Wealth/Growth Framework) as a tool for guiding how resources are deployed to ensure that growth reaches the grassroots level rather than remaining concentrated among the urban elite.
The forum concluded with a call for ongoing dialogue between state executives and chief executive officers to refine the incentives offered to investors. The next step involves the development of specific investment blueprints that translate Lawal’s policy address into actionable projects for the private sector.
Explore more Business stories from Business Elites Africa.
