Delta State governor, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori has pledged $100 million as viability gap funding to de-risk investments and attract more investors to the state.
Oborevwori, at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, themed, “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potential”, said the funding was part of efforts to build a stronger, private sector-led economy, create jobs and accelerate development.
The governor said the summit was not a “talk show” but a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to building an economy that would be among the strongest in Nigeria.
“Our aim today is to partner with prospective investors, with the overriding objective of building a stronger economy,” he said.
Oborevwori assured investors that the state remained financially solvent and capable of sustaining investments in infrastructure and other areas of development.
He said Delta, with a population of more than six million and an estimated N16 trillion economy, was connected to markets through about 16 urban centres and offered a favourable environment for investment. “Delta is an investors’ haven, blessed with vast land and a business-friendly climate waiting to be harnessed.
“Our aim is to partner with willing investors, build an economy that is private sector-led, create industries and jobs. Our ease of doing business is top-notch,” he said.
The governor urged investors to take advantage of the state’s investment opportunities and business-friendly environment.
He said the government’s investment in security infrastructure had helped position Delta as one of the safest states for investment in the country.
Oborevwori added that the state had secured more than 12,000 hectares of land for investors, noting that Delta’s economic potential extended beyond oil and gas to cassava, oil palm, rice and fisheries.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, investors from China and Brazil, and other stakeholders for supporting and showing interest in investments in the state.
Avuru described the summit as more than a conference, saying it represented a defining moment for shaping Delta’s economic future through practical strategies, investment partnerships and sustainable development initiatives.
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He said oil-producing countries around the world were investing petroleum revenues in sectors capable of sustaining economic growth after fossil fuels eventually lose their dominant position globally.
Avuru cited Norway, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait as examples of countries using oil wealth to build resilient economies through infrastructure, innovation, technology and strategic investments.
“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,” he said.
He said Delta needed to reduce its dependence on federal allocations by developing a competitive sub-national economy driven by its natural advantages, strategic location, productive citizens and private-sector investments.
Avuru identified the maritime sector as one of Delta’s greatest economic strengths, noting that the state had four ports in Warri, Sapele, Koko and Burutu, as well as two airports.
He said dredging waterways and maintaining roads linking ports, airports and industrial centres would improve logistics, reduce transportation costs and stimulate 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 establishment of large agricultural land banks to encourage commercial farming, attract investors and increase production of oil palm, cassava, aquaculture and other strategic commodities.
He said making thousands of hectares readily available would remove barriers facing investors, promote agro-processing industries, strengthen food security, create employment and boost export earnings.
On industrialisation, Avuru said the industrial park at Koko provided a strong foundation for manufacturing, adding that reliable electricity and supporting infrastructure would encourage greater private-sector participation.
“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.
Avuru commended the state government for investing in critical infrastructure during its first term, describing the projects as foundations for accelerated industrial growth and sustainable economic transformation.
He expressed confidence that recommendations from the summit would attract investments, strengthen partnerships and position Delta as one of Nigeria’s leading destinations for business, innovation and inclusive economic growth.
Earlier, Dr Kensley Emu, Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Summit Organizing Committee, highlighted the state’s vast land resources, blue economy and agricultural potential as some of the factors that made it an investors’ haven. He thanked the speakers and prospective investors for their interest in investing in the state.
NAN
