BY RITA OYIBOKA/PRINCE EJAKPOMEVI
The Delta State Government has assured citizens that its agenda, with a drive towards infrastructural development, is simultaneously focused on a broad-based economic strategy aimed at attracting large-scale investments, expanding industrial activity, strengthening agriculture, and unlocking sustainable employment opportunities.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, made this known yesterday during a media parley at his office at the state secretariat, Asaba, where he spoke on the administration’s roadmap to reposition the state economy for growth and employment generation.
Speaking on the state’s economic direction, Ekedayen stressed that while the government remains the largest employer in Delta, sustainable job creation globally is driven primarily by the private sector.
“Government is not primarily in the business of providing jobs. The civil service is already filled, while the number of job seekers continues to rise daily. What responsible governments do is create an enabling environment that attracts investors,” he said.
According to him, government-run commercial ventures often struggle due to political considerations that undermine long-term operational discipline, hence the state’s deliberate focus on policies capable of outlasting administrations.
Ekedayen explained that sustained investments in infrastructure, improved connectivity, security and urban development have already begun reshaping investor perception of Delta State, particularly Asaba and surrounding economic corridors.
He pointed to rising real-estate values, increased population inflow from neighbouring states and the rapid growth of hospitality and entertainment businesses as indicators of improving investor confidence.
The commissioner disclosed that the Koko-Kwale Free Trade Zone, revived under Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, after outstanding licence renewals were cleared, has recorded significant growth.
From only two or three companies previously operating within the zone, the number has risen to 11, with additional investors indicating interest. The government has also approved expanded road infrastructure to support industrial operations.
He added that economic activities are increasing along the Koko axis, attracting refinery-related investments and renewed interest from fertiliser manufacturers.
To strengthen entrepreneurship and small business growth, the state recently partnered with the Bank of Industry under a jointly managed funding scheme designed to ease access to affordable credit.
Under the initiative, qualified businesses can access loans at interest rates as low as nine per cent, significantly below commercial bank rates that often exceed 30 per cent.
Ekedayen said the structure ensures transparency, as applications are handled directly by the Bank of Industry without ministry interference.
Delta has also secured approval under the Federal Government’s Special Agro-Processing Zone programme supported by the African Development Bank, positioning the state to attract agro-processors across cassava, poultry, feed production and light manufacturing value chains.
The commissioner noted that Delta’s abundant agricultural resources, particularly cassava and oil palm, provide a strong foundation for agro-industrial expansion and export growth.
Through a public-private partnership with Median Ville Agro Limited, about 3,500 hectares of land have already been cleared for mechanised farming, with cassava, vegetables and greenhouse crop production underway to supply urban markets and hospitality businesses.
Ekedayen further highlighted the Delta State Azure Mangrove Project, a climate-focused revenue diversification initiative that recently received regulatory clearance from the National Council on Climate Change.
The project seeks to monetise the state’s mangrove ecosystems through global carbon credit markets, enabling international firms to offset emissions while generating sustainable income for coastal communities.
He explained that the initiative does not involve land sales but rather the sustainable valuation of environmental assets, positioning Delta among emerging global players in blue-carbon economies.
The commissioner emphasised that economic progress depends heavily on maintaining peace and stability across communities.
“All of this will not happen unless there is an atmosphere of peace. That is why we continue to encourage our youths to exercise restraint,” he said.
He added that while many initiatives are already underway, their full economic impact will become increasingly visible in the coming years as investments mature and industries expand operations across the state.
