Delta governor woos Brazilian investors, highlights state’s natural resources

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, has called on Brazilian investors to tap into the state’s vast economic potentials, citing its strategic position as a hub for trade, agriculture, energy, and industrial development in Nigeria and West Africa.

Governor Oborevwori made the appeal at the “Delta State-Focused Business and Investment Roundtable” in São Paulo.

Oborevwori highlighted the state’s natural endowments, favourable business environment, and ongoing reforms.

The governor also noted the strong ties between Nigeria and Brazil, citing similarities in population size, agricultural potential, cultural diversity, tropical climate, and a shared passion for football.

He further described the roundtable as an avenue to forge strategic partnerships that would accelerate sustainable growth for both countries.

He explained that since its creation in 1991, the State has grown into one of the top five largest economies in Nigeria with a landmass of over 18,000 square kilometres and a population of more than six million people.

His words: “Delta is blessed with vast natural resources and youthful human capital, making it an attractive destination for investors.

“Delta is Nigeria’s leading producer of crude oil and holds the largest natural gas reserves in the country, with two major export terminals in Escravos and Forcados, ” he said.

Oborevwori also drew attention to the state’s long coastline, four seaports, and the on-going concession of the Burutu Seaport, which he said has the potential to become a major trans-shipment hub for West and South-West Africa.

He noted that Delta is richly endowed with fertile soil for agriculture, with strong prospects in cassava, palm produce, rice, maize, aquaculture, and livestock.

“The state also has deposits of kaolin, silica, coal, lignite, and iron ore available for commercial exploitation,” he said.

On infrastructure, Oborevwori emphasised Delta’s advantage as a connecting point to major Nigerian markets such as Lagos, Onitsha, and Aba, while also boasting of three functional airports to enhance accessibility.

He stressed that his administration has invested massively in road networks to improve connectivity and ease of movement of goods and services.

Since assuming office in May 2023, the Governor said his administration has worked deliberately to improve the ease of doing business through tax harmonisation, the establishment of economic free trade zones in Koko and Kwale, and the enactment of business-friendly laws.

He also noted Delta’s recognition in 2024 by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources as the safest state in Nigeria for oil and gas investments.

Oborevwori also disclosed that the state is advancing its agro-industrialisation drive with the development of a 180-hectare Agro-Industrial Park designed to host between 20 and 30 processing plants, along with new public-private partnership models for housing, energy, and manufacturing.

He explained that Delta has adopted a decentralized mini-grid model to boost sustainable energy and drive industrialisation.

The governor expressed interest in learning from Brazil’s renowned ranching system to boost livestock production in Delta State.

He emphasised the potential for mutual benefit through partnerships between Delta State and Brazilian businesses, highlighting the strong ties between Nigeria and Brazil.

“I eagerly look forward to partnering with the business community of Brazil for our mutual benefit,” he said.