Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has declared that the state can no longer depend solely on oil revenue, calling on local and foreign investors to leverage abundant opportunities across critical sectors as his administration intensifies efforts to diversify the economy.
He spoke on Tuesday at the close of the second day of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, where deliberations underscored the urgency of expanding investments beyond oil and gas for sustainable growth, job creation, and shared prosperity.
Summit Reinforces Diversification Drive
Oborevwori noted that business sessions covering agriculture and livestock development, energy ecosystem, blue economy and transport infrastructure, solid minerals and mining, digital economy and innovation, and investment legal frameworks demonstrated Delta State’s vast untapped potential. “We can no longer 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,” he said.
Private Sector-Led Summit and Government’s Enabling Role
The governor explained that the summit was deliberately designed as a private sector-driven initiative rather than a government-centred event, with the primary objective of connecting investors to viable business opportunities. He stressed that the state government’s role is to create an enabling environment through supportive policies, improved infrastructure, security, and strategic private-sector partnerships.
He also disclosed that the state has secured land and implemented critical measures to encourage investment, while investment roadshows have been undertaken to China and Brazil to showcase Delta’s economic potential. Describing the summit as more than a policy dialogue, he said it provides a practical platform for translating investment interests into concrete projects, backed by serious investors already on ground.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to a business-friendly environment, the governor expressed optimism that emerging partnerships and commitments would accelerate industrialisation, expand employment, and position Delta as a leading investment destination in Nigeria.
Expert Panels Highlight Agriculture, Livestock, Blue Economy, and Mining
During panel sessions, experts identified agriculture, livestock, mining, blue economy, and legal reforms as critical for sustainable investments. In the agriculture and agro-industry session, Chief Eta Enahoro, former South-South Vice President of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), urged the government to prioritise fish and poultry production, noting their capacity to create jobs and transform Delta into a leading agribusiness hub. He added that many young people seeking political appointments could succeed as entrepreneurs with adequate support for poultry and fish farms. Brazilian agribusiness investor Roberto Fonseca unveiled plans to partner with the state to develop a modern cattle and beef value chain, including breeding, ranching, slaughterhouses, beef processing, cold storage, refrigerated transportation, and distribution. Fonseca highlighted Delta’s climatic and environmental similarities to Brazil, which could position the state as a livestock production hub for Nigeria and neighbouring African markets. On the blue economy, Dr. Uche Igwe called for action against illegal and unregulated fishing to maximise the potential of the state’s waterways. Ramos Olukayode, Managing Director of Mosra Energy, revealed that Delta State possesses over 200 million tonnes of coal deposits in Obomkpa, Ugbodu, and Ukunzu, exceeding reserves in Enugu and Kogi states. He announced plans to build a 600-megawatt power plant at Obomkpa, with over 200 hectares already secured, and noted abundant kaolin and clay deposits to support manufacturing at the proposed industrial hub.
