Delta Govt. Earmarked $100m for De-Risking Investments -Oborevwori
Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta says the state government has set 100 million dollars (about N173 billion) aside as viability gap funding to de-risk real investments in the state.
Oborevwori disclosed this while delivering a keynote address at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026, held on Monday in Asaba.
The summit has as its theme, “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potential”.
“Our aim today is to partner with prospective investors, with the overriding objective of building a stronger economy.”
The governor assured that the state government remained solvent to boost its economy, in spite of sundry infrastructural and other state expenditure.
He said the summit is not a talk show but a commitment of his administration to build an economy that would be second to none in the country.
Oberevwori said his administration remained ready to match words with actions to ensure total development in Delta, create jobs and boost its economy.
According to him, Delta, with a population of over six million people with about N16 trillion economy is connected to markets with about 16 urban cities and loved by its people.
“Delta is an investors’ haven, blessed with vast land, and a business-friendly climate waiting to be harnessed.
“Our aim today is to partner with willing investors, build an economy that is private sector-led, create industries, jobs, and our ease of doing business is top-notch.”
He urged investors to take advantage of the opportunity and the ease of doing business to invest in Delta.
Oberevwori said the state’s investment in security infrastructure has placed it on the ranking as one of the safest states to invest in nationwide.
He said the state government has secured over 12,000 hectares of land for investors to harness, adding that aside from producing oil and gas, Delta has the capacity to grow cassava, oil palm, rice, and fisheries among diversifications.
The governor lauded President Bola Tinubu, Shettima, investors from China, Brazil and other stakeholders for supporting and taking interest in investing in the state.
In his opening remarks, the Summit Chairman, Augustine Avouru, urged Delta to deliberately diversify its economy beyond oil and gas by strengthening infrastructure, agriculture, maritime development and industrialisation for sustainability.
He said the gathering was more than another conference, describing it as a defining moment that would shape Delta’s economic future through practical strategies, investment partnerships and sustainable development initiatives.
According to him, oil-producing countries across the world are investing today’s petroleum revenues in sectors capable of sustaining economic growth after fossil fuels eventually lose their dominant position globally.
“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 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.
Avuru said Delta must reduce dependence on federal allocations by developing a competitive sub-national economy, driven by its natural advantages, strategic location, productive citizens and private sector investments.
He identified the maritime sector as one of Delta’s greatest economic strengths, noting that the state owned four ports, located in Warri, Sapele, Koko and Burutu, alongside two airports.
According to him, dredging waterways and maintaining roads connecting ports, airports and industrial centres will improve logistics, reduce transportation costs and stimulate commercial activities across the entire state.
“Infrastructure creates opportunity. Once roads, ports and waterways function efficiently, businesses grow, investors gain confidence and economic activities expand across every community,” he stated.
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 explained that making thousands of hectares readily available would eliminate barriers facing investors, promote agro-processing industries, strengthen food security, create employment and boost export earnings significantly.
Speaking on industrialisation, Avuru said the industrial park at Koko provided a strong foundation for manufacturing, adding that reliable electricity and supporting infrastructure would encourage increased 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 necessary 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, Summit Organising Committee, highlighted the state’s potentials to include vast areas of land, blue economy, and agriculture among other potentials that placed it as an investors’ haven.
He thanked the various speakers and prospective investors for taking interest in investing in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Vice President Kashim Shettima was the Chief Guest of Honour, Prof. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was a Keynote Speaker, while Prof. Patrick Lumumba delivered a lecture.
Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, Chinese and Brazilian investors, among other stakeholders, graced the summit. #Delta Govt. Earmarked $100m for De-Risking Investments -Oborevwori# Oborevwori Presents N200bn Supplementary Budget to Delta Assembly
