BY DONALD OJEBO
THE Delta State Government has reaffirmed the solvency of its finances and unveiled deliberate plans to attract both local and foreign investments, in line with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration’s vision to grow the state’s economy and improve the living conditions of its people.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, disclosed this yesterday in Asaba during an interactive session between the Secretary to the State Government, Commissioners for Information, Agriculture, Trade and Investment and the Economic Adviser to the Governor and members of the Press.
Dr. Emu, who said that Delta has emerged as one of the five fastest-growing economies in Nigeria, thanks to conscious expansion strategies that prioritized infrastructure, connectivity, and investment attraction, explained that the government’s focus on road infrastructure is aimed at opening up new business corridors and ensuring Delta remains a destination of choice for investors.
“Delta State is now a migrant destination for business. Our investment in road networks is unlocking access to underserved areas, and our next priority is ensuring a robust power mix to energize growth,” Dr. Emu stated.
As part of its investment drive, the State Government delegation will be attending critical business meetings in Abuja and Brazil. The Abuja trip, Dr. Emu explained, will center on renewable energy as part of efforts to boost power supply in underserved communities and deepen nightlife, thereby strengthening local economies. The Brazil trip, on the other hand, will focus on expanding the State’s agricultural, trade, and solid minerals potential through large-scale partnerships.
The Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Barry Gbe, said the Abuja meeting is particularly strategic as it would involve the World Bank and the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA), with funds set aside to power 25 communities per State. “About 400 companies have already indicated interest in this stakeholders’ roundtable. For Delta, this is a major opportunity to deepen power access and strengthen the investment climate,” he explained.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Barr Val Areyenka, highlighted the State’s comparative advantage in cassava and rice production. He noted that inadequate power has hindered cassava processing, but with new energy projects and prospective partnerships from Brazil—one of the world’s experienced and largest agricultural investors—these challenges would be tackled.
“Our rice mill in Aboh Ogwashi-Uku produces 50 tons of rice daily, and we intend to attract partners from Brazil to expand this capacity. With the signing of the anti-open grazing law, Delta is set to embrace ranching, ending farmers-herders clashes while boosting agribusiness,” he added.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr. Samuel Oligida, stressed that peace and security are prerequisites for business growth, and Delta has made significant strides in this regard. He pointed to ongoing market development projects, including the construction of the State’s largest market at the UduHarbour Market in Udu local government area as evidence of the government’s commitment to providing business-friendly infrastructure. He further disclosed that discussions in Brazil will also focus on solid minerals, as Delta has abundant deposits including coal.
In addition to its investment agenda, the State Government has rolled out measures to improve the welfare of its citizens. These include:
The Approval of ₦10 billion to clear outstanding pension commitments, alongside the monthly release of ₦1.4 billion for retirees. Disbursement of ₦1.8 billion to support 10,000 widows across the State, with each receiving ₦15,000 monthly, paid upfront for three months.
Plans for a mega empowerment programme in the last quarter of 2025 to boost household incomes and small businesses.
Dr. Emu further revealed that large arable lands in the State’s Forest reserves, hitherto encroached upon by criminal elements, would be released for commercial farming. “This will not only provide land for investors but also deny kidnappers and marauders the cover they exploit. It is a win-win for Deltans and for investors,” he emphasized.
With its proactive steps in infrastructure, agriculture, trade, power, and social welfare, Delta State is positioning itself as an investment hub and a model of inclusive and integrated economic growth.
