Gov Lawal Courts Investors, Unveils Zamfara’s Economic Potential at 2026 CEO Forum

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has intensified efforts to position the state as an attractive destination for private investment, calling for stronger partnerships between government, businesses and investors to mobilise capital and promote inclusive economic development.

Governor Lawal made the appeal in Lagos while delivering a Special Policy Address at the 2026 CEO Forum organised by the Global Compact Network Nigeria.

The gathering, themed “Financing a Dignified Future: Aligning Business Action, Policy and Capital,” brought together leading business executives, senior government officials, industry players, diplomats, trade commissioners and international development partners.

Representatives from major sectors, including oil and gas, energy, manufacturing, construction and infrastructure, were among participants at the high-level forum.

In his address, the governor examined the growing competition among Nigerian states for private capital, stressing the importance of creating an environment capable of converting economic opportunities into viable and attractive investment propositions.

Lawal explained that his administration was focused on closing the gap between Zamfara’s enormous economic potential and the investment required to unlock it, with particular attention being given to strengthening investor confidence and ensuring that development delivers tangible benefits to the people.

He noted that identifying opportunities alone was insufficient to attract serious investors, emphasising the need for appropriate policies, favourable conditions and strong partnerships that would encourage businesses to commit their capital.

The CEO Forum also created an avenue for government representatives, investors and business leaders to explore practical ways of bringing business strategies, public policies and available capital into alignment to stimulate productive investments.

Participants examined businesses, projects and sectors with significant growth potential but which have faced challenges in accessing financing, while also considering measures that could make such opportunities more bankable and appealing to investors.

A major focus of the discussions was the concept of the “Dignity Dividend,” which explored how investment-driven economic growth could translate into improved employment opportunities, stronger enterprises, increased productivity, local value creation and wider participation in the economy.

The forum also sought to produce concrete commitments and partnerships that participating organisations could pursue within the next six to 12 months.

Among prominent participants and speakers were chief executives and representatives of First Bank Group, Access Bank, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Nigerian Exchange Group, Chellarams Plc, SecureID Group and Greenwich Merchant Bank Plc, among others.

The organisers said the engagement would culminate in a live presentation of the Business Value and Sustainability Platform, BVSP, described as a continuing coalition bringing together key players in business, capital and public policy to sustain collaboration beyond the forum.

The platform is also expected to play a role in shaping Nigeria’s private-sector engagement during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week.

Governor Lawal’s participation reflects Zamfara State’s broader push to diversify and strengthen its economic foundation by attracting productive investments capable of creating sustainable livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities for its people.