Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has, through the Realistic Reforms component of his administration’s MORE Agenda, implemented policies like a centralised building control system, making it easier for investors to acquire land and property in the state. This, coupled with infrastructural renewal, sustained peace, and a business-friendly government posture, has created an ambience for businesses to thrive.
The reforms on ease-of-doing business, no doubt, are really paying off as they (the reforms) are attracting businesses to the state on an unprecedented scale. In fact, the State’s reforms on ease-of-doing business have brought about some awesome developments in the state, such as faster business setup, increased investments, improved infrastructure, business-friendly environment, job creation and real estate boom, among others.
Interestingly, Delta State is becoming a hotspot for investments and business growth. The Delta Special Economic Zone has also attracted over 10 investments with companies like Xenergi Limited, Chorus Energy, and Eastern Metals setting up shop. This has created employment opportunities and boosted economic growth. The state government is committed to positioning Delta as a preferred investment destination through the MORE Agenda.
As a result of these mind-blowing business opportunities, the state is witnessing an influx of businesses, financial institutions, and hospitality operators. Premium Trust Bank, for instance, has opened its second branch in Asaba, and its 30th nationwide. The state is also witnessing a real estate boom, driven by population inflows from neighbouring states.
Speaking while inaugurating the second Asaba branch and 30th nationwide branch of Premium Trust Bank recently in Asaba, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori said the growing influx of businesses, financial institutions and hospitality operators into the state is a clear vote of confidence in his administration’s deliberate reforms to ease the conduct of businesses.
The Governor noted that the increased corporate presence reflects Delta’s vast market potential and the conducive business climate created by government policies. According to him, the operating environment for businesses has been enhanced through massive infrastructural renewal, policy reforms, a business-friendly posture of government and sustained peace across the state.
He added that deliberate measures had been adopted to improve the ease of doing business, including policies targeted at business development, saying “one of our key policies is the centralised building control system, which helps to fast-track land and property acquisition for prospective investors,” adding that Asaba, the state capital, has witnessed a real estate boom driven by rising inflows of people from neighbouring states.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Delta as a preferred investment destination through the implementation of economic policies embedded in the MORE Agenda. Congratulating the board, management and staff of Premium Trust Bank on the opening of the branch, Oborevwori described the feat of 30 branches in three years as commendable and a testament to strong leadership, creativity and dedication.
He attributed the bank’s rapid growth to personalised customer service, innovative products and professionalism. The Governor expressed optimism that the new branch would boost human capital development, create jobs and deepen retail sector activities in the state, adding that qualified youths had already been engaged by the bank.
Oborevwori also appealed to residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding, particularly during the Christmas season, stressing that peace was a win-win for all and would attract more investments, leading to increased job and wealth creation, even as he assured that the state government would continue to strengthen security across Delta State.
The governor cautioned host communities against intimidating companies, urging corporate organisations to fulfil their corporate social responsibilities, while emphasising that no company or oil installation would be shut down in the state under any guise.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Dr Emmanuel Emefienem, said the newly commissioned outlet was the bank’s 30th branch in Nigeria, fifth in Delta State and second in Asaba. Dr Emefienem commended Governor Oborevwori for his visionary leadership and strides in infrastructure, youth empowerment and economic diversification, describing Delta State as “a project site” with visible development across sectors.
In another development, the Delta State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved projects worth over N42 billion for road infrastructure, erosion and flood control, as well as the expansion of electricity supply across the state.
Briefing journalists at the end of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said the approvals were in line with the administration’s resolve to accelerate development and improve the quality of life of Deltans.
Aniagwu, who was flanked by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sunny Ekedayen, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Projects and Policies, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika and the Executive Assistant on New Media, Mr. Felix Ofou, explained that the approvals covered critical road infrastructure, erosion control measures and the extension of energy supply, particularly in the Udu area, to boost industrial and domestic power needs.
According to him, EXCO approved major works on the Old Lagos–Asaba Road, including the reconstruction of Phase II covering the Obior to Ubulu-Uku axis in Aniocha North and Aniocha South Local Government Areas, as well as the Ute-Ogbeje to Ebuenor and Ani-Nwachokor routes in Ika North East. He disclosed that some of the projects had their costs reviewed upward due to changes in market prices and earlier delays caused by weather and funding challenges.
“The Council also approved the upward review of the Ute-Ogbeje to Otolokpo Road, and approved the construction of the Etua-Etiti and Etua-Oliogo internal roads in Ndokwa West, to enable contractors mobilise fully and complete the projects,” Aniagwu said.
He added that the construction of erosion control measures around the Asaba International Airport was approved to protect the surrounding infrastructure from flooding, while flood control works would also be extended along Dennis Osadebay Way from the traffic light to Abraka Road, an area badly affected by erosion and floodwaters.
Other approvals, he said, included the completion of internal roads in Otorho-Abraka in Ethiope East Local Government Area, the construction of Imohwe Street in Ughelli. On energy, Aniagwu disclosed that EXCO approved the replacement of a broken-down 15MVA power transformer and the installation of new 300KVA transformers, alongside the rehabilitation of substations and ancillary equipment, to improve electricity supply in Udu and adjoining communities.
“These interventions are deliberate efforts by the Oborevwori administration to boost energy supply, support economic activities and improve living conditions in our communities,” he said, just as he informed journalists that the governor had signed the N1.7 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, noting that over 70 per cent of the budget was dedicated to capital expenditure, with strong emphasis on infrastructure development.
He assured that despite the approaching election season, the administration would continue to “double down on development,” stressing that all due procurement processes would be followed before the award and execution of projects.
Aniagwu expressed confidence that the approved projects would significantly advance Delta State’s developmental trajectory, adding that the government remained appreciative of the support it had received from residents and stakeholders across the state.
