In a major push to reduce reliance on crude oil revenue, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has called on local and international investors to tap into key non-oil sectors to drive long-term, sustainable economic growth across the state. Speaking at the close of the second day of the 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori highlighted the urgent need to diversify the local economy by capitalizing on the state's natural advantages. He emphasized that Delta State can no longer depend on a single source of revenue and must attract strategic investments into areas of clear comparative advantage to create jobs, expand businesses, and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
To reassure potential partners, the governor stressed that the summit was deliberately designed as a private-sector-led vehicle to connect investors directly with high-yield, bankable projects rather than serve as a ceremonial event. In preparation for incoming capital, the state government has already secured land parcels for major industrial projects and conducted international investment roadshows in nations such as China and Brazil. Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration's commitment to fostering a business-friendly climate through improved infrastructure, enhanced security, consistent regulatory policies, and robust public-private partnerships.
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Throughout the summit's panel sessions, industry leaders and global partners outlined significant untapped opportunities across several emerging sectors. In agribusiness, Brazilian investor Roberto Fonseca unveiled plans to collaborate with the state government to establish a comprehensive cattle and beef value chain spanning breeding, ranching, processing, and regional distribution noting that Delta's climate mirrors Brazil's major livestock regions. Chief Eta Enahoro, former South-South Vice President of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, also pointed to poultry and fish farming as immediate drivers for youth entrepreneurship and job creation. Meanwhile, in energy and solid minerals, Ramos Olukayode, Managing Director of Mosra Energy, revealed that Delta holds over 200 million tonnes of coal deposits across Obomkpa, Ugbodu, and Ukunzu. He detailed plans to establish a 600-megawatt power plant on 200 hectares of secured land in Obomkpa, leveraging local coal, kaolin, and clay deposits to power regional manufacturing. Addressing the marine sector, Dr. Uche Igwe called for decisive policy action against illegal and unregulated fishing in Delta’s waterways to fully unlock the economic potential of the blue economy. Governor Oborevwori concluded by thanking all domestic and international attendees, expressing strong optimism that the commitments made in Asaba will soon translate into real industrial projects and widespread employment across Delta State.
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