Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to diversifying the state’s economy, urging local and foreign investors to explore opportunities beyond the oil and gas sector.
Speaking on Tuesday at the the 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba, the governor said the state was positioning itself as a preferred investment destination through strategic reforms, improved infrastructure and stronger partnerships with the private sector.
He noted that discussions at the two-day summit highlighted the need to unlock investment opportunities in agriculture, livestock, energy, the blue economy, mining, transport infrastructure, the digital economy and innovation.
“We no longer have to depend on one source of revenue. We must diversify our economy by attracting strategic investments into sectors where Delta State has a clear comparative advantage.
”That is the pathway to creating jobs, growing businesses and improving the quality of life of our people,” Oborevwori said.
The governor explained that the summit was designed as a private sector-driven initiative aimed at connecting investors with viable business opportunities rather than serving as a government-centred event.
According to him, government’s responsibility is to provide a conducive business environment through sound policies, quality infrastructure, security and strategic collaboration with investors.
Oborevwori disclosed that the state had acquired land and implemented measures to support investments in critical sectors, while investment roadshows in countries such as China and Brazil had showcased Delta’s economic potential to global investors.
He described the summit as a practical platform for translating investment interests into bankable projects capable of driving industrial growth and employment.
“This summit is not just a talk show. It is a strategic platform backed by serious investors who are ready to do business in Delta State,” he said.
The governor expressed confidence that partnerships and commitments secured during the summit would stimulate industrialisation, create jobs and strengthen Delta’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading investment hubs.
During the panel sessions, stakeholders identified agriculture, livestock development, mining, the blue economy and legal reforms as key drivers of sustainable investment.
Former South-South Vice President of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Chief Eta Enahoro, urged the state government to prioritise fish and poultry production, describing the sectors as major sources of employment and economic growth.
Brazilian agribusiness investor, Roberto Fonseca, announced plans to partner the Delta Government to develop an integrated cattle and beef value chain, covering breeding, ranching, processing, cold storage and distribution.
Fonseca said Delta possessed favourable climatic conditions that could support large-scale livestock production and position the state as a major supplier of beef to Nigeria and neighbouring African countries.
On the blue economy, development expert Dr. Uche Igwe called for stronger measures to curb illegal fishing and maximise the economic value of the state’s waterways.
Also, Managing Director of Mosra Energy, Ramos Olukayode, disclosed plans to establish a 600-megawatt power plant in Obomkpa, citing the area’s vast coal deposits and abundant mineral resources as key advantages for industrial development.
