The Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Investment Promotion Agency (ZIPA), Hajia Mariam Yaro, has warned that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity is driving away investment, undermining development and deepening poverty, saying lasting economic growth is impossible without peace.
Speaking on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the First Daily sixth anniversary public lecture and national dialogue on security in Abuja, Yaro said security should be viewed not merely as a military responsibility but as the foundation for national development.
She said a secure nation enables children to attend school without fear, farmers to cultivate their land, investors to commit capital and public servants to perform their duties safely.
“Without security, development becomes impossible. Without security, investment disappears. Without security, poverty deepens. Without security, hope begins to fade,” she said.
Yaro called for stronger collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, the private sector and citizens, stressing that Nigeria must complement enforcement with intelligence, prevention and economic opportunity.
She identified youth unemployment, weak institutions, illegal mining, porous borders and poor community engagement as key drivers of insecurity, urging sustained action to address the underlying causes.
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The ZIPA boss also cautioned against becoming desensitized to insecurity, describing every life lost, every displaced community and every abandoned investment as a setback to Nigeria’s future.
Highlighting the role of storytelling in promoting peace, Yaro said her book, Taking a Bullet for the State, chronicles the sacrifices of those confronting insecurity, while her One Book, 774 LGAs Initiative seeks to take conversations on peace, integrity and national service into schools, libraries and communities across the country.
She said the initiative aims to inspire young Nigerians to choose peace over violence.
Yaro maintained that securing Nigeria requires collective responsibility, accountable leadership and stronger institutions.
“A secure Nigeria will not be built by government alone. It will be built when every citizen accepts responsibility, when leaders lead with courage and accountability, when institutions work together, and when our actions finally match our words,” she said.
The First Daily security dialogue brought together policymakers, security experts and other stakeholders to explore practical solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges and their impact on national development and investment.