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The Delta State Government has earmarked $100 million, about N173 billion, as viability gap funding to reduce investment risks and attract private capital into key sectors of the state’s economy.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori disclosed this on Monday at the 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba, where he said the fund was part of his administration’s strategy to build a private sector-driven economy, create jobs and accelerate industrial development.
The summit, with the theme, *“Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potential,”* brought together government officials, local and foreign investors, development partners, captains of industry and policymakers.
Mr Oborevwori said the state was prepared to work with credible investors and provide the necessary support to turn investment proposals into viable projects.
“Our aim today is to partner with prospective investors, with the overriding objective of building a stronger economy,” the governor said.
He described the summit as more than a platform for discussions, saying it represented a commitment by his administration to translate Delta’s economic potential into investments, industries and employment opportunities.
“This is not a talk show. It is a commitment to build an economy that will be second to none in the country,” he said.
The governor said Delta remained financially solvent despite its heavy investment in infrastructure and other development projects, adding that his administration was ready to match its economic ambitions with concrete action.
According to him, Delta has a population of more than six million people and an estimated economy of about N16 trillion, with access to major markets and a network of 16 urban centres.
“Delta is an investors’ haven, blessed with vast land and a business-friendly environment waiting to be harnessed,” Mr Oborevwori said.
“Our aim is to partner with willing investors, build a private sector-led economy, create industries and generate jobs. Our ease of doing business is top-notch.”
He urged local and international investors to take advantage of the state’s business-friendly environment and emerging opportunities across agriculture, energy, manufacturing, logistics, maritime development and the blue economy.
Mr Oborevwori said investments in security infrastructure had strengthened Delta’s position as one of the safer destinations for business and investment in Nigeria.
He added that the state had secured more than 12,000 hectares of land for prospective investors, while also possessing significant opportunities in oil and gas, cassava, oil palm, rice production, fisheries and other non-oil sectors.
The governor thanked President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, investors from China and Brazil, and other stakeholders for supporting the state’s investment drive.
Earlier, the Chairman of the summit, Augustine Avuru, urged Delta to reduce its dependence on oil and gas by expanding investments in infrastructure, agriculture, maritime development and industrialisation.
Mr Avuru described the summit as a defining moment in the state’s economic journey, saying it should produce practical strategies, investment partnerships and sustainable development initiatives rather than remain a platform for speeches.
“This is not just another talk show. This is the beginning of a movement that will redefine Delta’s economy and position the state for long-term prosperity beyond oil,” he said.
He noted that oil-producing countries such as Norway, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait were investing petroleum revenues in infrastructure, technology, innovation and other sectors capable of sustaining economic growth beyond fossil fuels.
“Oil and gas are finite resources. Wise nations are using today’s revenues to create tomorrow’s prosperity through deliberate investments that will benefit generations yet unborn,” Avuru said.
He urged Delta to build a competitive sub-national economy driven by its strategic location, natural resources, productive population and private-sector investment.
Mr Avuru identified the maritime sector as one of the state’s major economic advantages, noting that Delta has four ports located in Warri, Sapele, Koko and Burutu, as well as two airports.
He said dredging waterways and improving roads linking the ports, airports and industrial centres would strengthen logistics, reduce transportation costs and expand commercial activities across the state.
“Infrastructure creates opportunity. Once roads, ports and waterways function efficiently, businesses grow, investors gain confidence and economic activities expand across every community,” he said.
The summit chairman also called for the creation of large agricultural land banks to support commercial farming and attract investments in oil palm, cassava, aquaculture and other strategic value chains.
He said making large areas of land readily available would reduce barriers faced by investors, encourage agro-processing, strengthen food security, create jobs and increase export earnings.
On industrialisation, Mr Avuru said the Koko Industrial Park provided a foundation for expanding manufacturing activities, but stressed that reliable electricity and other supporting infrastructure were necessary to attract more private investment.
“Government must provide infrastructure and create an enabling environment. The private sector will always invest where confidence, stability, reliable power and business opportunities exist,” he said.
He commended the Delta Government for investing in critical infrastructure during Oborevwori’s first term, describing the projects as foundations for accelerated industrial growth and sustainable economic transformation.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Summit Organising Committee, Dr Kingsley Emu, said Delta’s vast land resources, agricultural potential, waterways and blue economy opportunities had positioned it as an attractive destination for investors.
He thanked the speakers, prospective investors and other stakeholders for participating in the summit and expressing interest in the state’s economic opportunities.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Vice President Kashim Shettima was the Chief Guest of Honour, while the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, delivered the keynote address.
Kenyan scholar, lawyer and Pan-Africanist, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, also delivered a lecture at the summit, which was attended by Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, investors from China and Brazil, and other stakeholders.
