From Vision To Reality: How Governor Sheriff Oborevwori Is Positioning Delta As Nigeria’s Next Investment Powerhouse
By Anthonia N Okwuolise, Abuja
The Delta State Government, under the visionary leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has continued to demonstrate that true leadership is not just about making promises but about turning bold ideas into tangible results.
That commitment came alive at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026, held at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba. More than just another government event, the summit marked a defining moment in Delta’s journey toward becoming one of Nigeria’s leading investment destinations.
With the theme, “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potential,” the summit attracted an impressive gathering of global and national leaders, investors, policymakers and business executives. Among the distinguished guests were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, renowned Pan-African scholar Prof. Patrick Lumumba, Anambra State Governor Prof. Charles Soludo, business mogul Tony Elumelu and several other influential voices in government and industry.
The gathering was more than a conversation about economic possibilities. It was a strong declaration that Delta State is open for business and ready to compete with the very best investment destinations in Africa.
The summit showcased enormous investment opportunities across agriculture, the blue economy, housing, hospitality, the creative industry, oil and gas, renewable energy and manufacturing. At its core was a clear objective: to diversify Delta’s economy, stimulate industrial growth, create sustainable jobs and improve the quality of life for the people.
One of the summit’s biggest highlights was Governor Oborevwori’s announcement of a 100 million US dollar Viability Gap Fund, a bold initiative designed to reduce investment risks for private investors and transform business proposals into bankable, profitable projects. The administration also reaffirmed its commitment to public-private partnerships, improved infrastructure and an investor-friendly business environment.
In his address, Vice President Kashim Shettima described Delta as one of Nigeria’s foremost investment destinations. He urged both local and international investors to take advantage of Nigeria’s improving economic outlook, noting that the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms have restored investor confidence, strengthened macroeconomic stability and improved Nigeria’s global credit standing.
According to the Vice President, the recent positive ratings by Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s are clear indicators that Nigeria is regaining global credibility.
“The best time to invest is now before the opportunity becomes expensive,” he declared.
He praised Governor Oborevwori for creating a platform capable of attracting meaningful investments and assured investors that the Federal Government would continue working with state governments to eliminate obstacles to business growth.
Governor Oborevwori explained that the summit was deliberately designed to move beyond speeches and produce measurable investments that will accelerate industrialisation, economic diversification and employment.
He disclosed that the initiative followed strategic investment missions to China and Brazil in 2025, aimed at attracting global partnerships that will benefit Delta State.
With an economy valued at approximately ₦17 trillion, the Governor described Delta as one of Nigeria’s most attractive investment destinations because of its abundant natural resources, improving infrastructure, prudent financial management and business-friendly policies.
He announced several incentives for investors, including tax waivers on tenement rates, levies and other charges for up to five years. The establishment of an Ease of Doing Business Council is also expected to simplify investment procedures and make doing business in Delta even easier.
Governor Oborevwori further revealed that over 12,000 hectares of land have been designated for commercial agriculture, while the state’s 163-kilometre coastline presents enormous opportunities in the blue economy. He also highlighted opportunities in gas-powered electricity, renewable energy, solar farms and mini-grid infrastructure.
Reassuring investors, he maintained that Delta remains financially stable, secure and debt-free under his administration. He also noted that the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources recognised Delta as Nigeria’s Safest State for Oil and Gas Investments in 2024.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala described herself as “a Delta State optimist.” She encouraged the state to take full advantage of global supply chain changes, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms.
According to her, Delta possesses all the ingredients needed to become Nigeria’s next industrial growth hub, including vast natural gas reserves, seaports, rail connectivity, fertile agricultural land, a skilled workforce and strong fiscal discipline.
She urged the government to focus on strategic investments in the Delta Special Economic Zone, agro-processing, marine logistics, oil and gas value addition, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence to prepare young people for the future economy.
Governor Charles Soludo also commended Nigeria’s improving economic fundamentals and advocated stronger economic cooperation between Delta and Anambra States. He advised governments to make investment promotion a continuous process rather than an occasional event.
Prof. Patrick Lumumba challenged Africans to believe in Africa’s enormous economic potential. He called on investors across the continent to invest more in Africa, stressing that increased intra-African investments would drive industrialisation, create employment and reduce dependence on foreign capital.
Minister of Finance Prof. Taiwo Oyedele applauded the Federal Government’s reforms, stating that they have significantly increased revenues available to states for development. He described Delta as a natural powerhouse of the blue economy and encouraged investors to see both Delta State and Nigeria as strategic investment destinations.
Business leaders also demonstrated confidence in Delta’s future.
Chairman of Transcorp Power Holdings, Tony Elumelu, pledged his company’s readiness to partner with the Delta State Government to provide reliable electricity for industries and households.
Chief Executive Officer of Mosra Energy, Ramos Olukayode, revealed that Delta possesses more than 200 million tonnes of coal deposits located in Obomkpa, Ukunzu and neighbouring communities.
Similarly, Chief Executive Officer of UTM Gas Limited, Julius Rone, disclosed that Delta State’s ₦42 billion investment for an eight percent equity stake in the company in 2022 has appreciated to about ₦200 billion. He further announced that UTM Gas will establish its corporate headquarters in Warri when full operations commence in 2030, a move expected to further strengthen Delta’s position as a major energy investment hub.
Without doubt, the 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit has moved beyond rhetoric. It has clearly demonstrated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s determination to transform Delta into a thriving centre for investment, innovation and industrial growth.
The vision is becoming clearer. The policies are taking shape. Investors are responding. Partnerships are being formed. Opportunities are expanding.
Delta is no longer merely talking about economic transformation. It is actively building it.
Under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s leadership, the journey from potential to prosperity is no longer a distant dream. It is becoming a living reality.
Indeed, Delta is not just preparing for the future. Delta is creating it.
