Sheriff committed to creating enabling environment for investors

By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@gmail.com

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The first day of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 ended with a strong consensus among government officials, business leaders, development partners and investors on the need to accelerate private sector-led growth, deepen infrastructure development and unlock the state’s vast economic potential through strategic investments.

The summit, which commenced in Asaba under the theme “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potential,” attracted a diverse audience comprising federal and state government officials, captains of industry, development finance institutions, diplomats, international organisations, entrepreneurs, investors, academics and policy experts.

The opening day was marked by keynote addresses, investment presentations and panel discussions centred on positioning Delta State as one of Nigeria’s most attractive destinations for domestic and foreign investment.

In his opening address, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said the summit represents a defining moment in Delta State’s economic journey, stressing that his administration is committed to creating an enabling environment that encourages investment, innovation and inclusive economic development.

According to the governor, Delta State is intentionally diversifying its economy beyond oil by investing in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, tourism, logistics, renewable energy and industrial development.

He assured investors that the state government would continue implementing reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, strengthening infrastructure, enhancing security and ensuring policy consistency capable of supporting long-term investments.

Oborevwori said the state’s MORE Agenda places economic prosperity, job creation and private sector collaboration at the centre of governance, adding that government alone cannot achieve sustainable development without active participation from the private sector.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), challenged Delta State to leverage its strategic advantages to compete effectively in the global investment landscape.

She noted that investors increasingly seek destinations with transparent governance, stable policies, efficient infrastructure and a skilled workforce.

According to her, Delta possesses enormous economic assets, including abundant natural resources, a strategic coastal location, fertile agricultural land and significant human capital, which can attract substantial investments if effectively harnessed.

She urged the state government to continue strengthening institutions, improving infrastructure and embracing technology-driven development to increase investor confidence.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting state governments in creating a more competitive business environment.

He said ongoing economic reforms at the federal level are designed to restore macroeconomic stability, improve investor confidence and encourage greater private sector participation in national development.

Shettima emphasized that collaboration between federal and state governments remains critical for attracting capital into productive sectors capable of creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities.

Chairman of the summit, Austin Avuru, described Delta State as one of Nigeria’s most resource-rich states with enormous opportunities across energy, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and marine services.

He encouraged both local and international investors to take advantage of the state’s strategic location and improving business environment, noting that public-private partnerships would be essential to delivering transformational infrastructure projects.

The Secretary to the Delta State Government, Kingsley Emu, presented the state’s investment outlook, highlighting Delta’s competitive advantages, including its extensive coastline, natural gas reserves, expanding road infrastructure, skilled workforce and growing industrial base.

He explained that the summit was designed not merely as a conference but as an investment platform where government and investors could establish practical partnerships capable of driving long-term economic growth.

During sectoral discussions, business executives stressed the importance of regulatory certainty, improved transport infrastructure, uninterrupted electricity supply and faster approval processes for investment projects.

Representatives of financial institutions pledged support for commercially viable projects in agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, housing and renewable energy, emphasizing the need for bankable investment proposals and effective risk management.

Development partners called for greater emphasis on sustainable development, climate resilience, environmental protection and inclusive economic growth, urging stronger collaboration between government and development finance institutions.

Technology experts advocated increased investment in digital infrastructure, broadband expansion, innovation hubs and youth digital skills, arguing that the digital economy offers significant opportunities for employment creation and economic diversification.

Agriculture stakeholders identified mechanised farming, agro-processing, storage infrastructure and agricultural value chains as critical areas capable of boosting food production, exports and rural incomes.

Industry leaders also called for greater investment in industrial parks and special economic zones to encourage manufacturing, reduce production costs and increase exports from the state.

Participants agreed that Delta State has the potential to emerge as a leading investment destination in Nigeria if reforms are sustained and investment commitments are translated into concrete projects.

The opening day concluded with renewed optimism among stakeholders that the summit would catalyse new investments, strengthen partnerships between government and the private sector, and lay the foundation for accelerated economic transformation across Delta State.

Several participants expressed confidence that the conversations initiated on the first day would lead to actionable outcomes capable of creating jobs, stimulating industrialisation and improving the living standards of residents, while reinforcing Delta State’s position as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic growth.