Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has wooed local and international investors to the state, highlighting its natural resources, industrial opportunities and $100 million Viability Gap Funding committed to derisk investments in the state.
Oborevwori made the call at the 6th African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference 2026 in Calabar, Cross River State, where he was represented by the Chairman of the Delta State Investment Development Agency (DIDA), Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru.
The conference, holding from November 12 to 14, has as its theme, “The Role of Sovereigns in Catalysing Development through Trade and Investments.”
Oborevwori said Delta had identified bankable projects across the industrial, maritime, energy and agricultural sectors, assuring investors of the government’s commitment to creating an enabling business environment.
He disclosed that the state had two economic free zones in Kwale and Koko, offering opportunities for gas-based industries and manufacturing.
Among the projects being pursued are a ceramics raw materials plant requiring €50 million and a glass manufacturing facility estimated at between $50 million and $200 million, depending on its scale. Another industrial project is estimated to require €19 million.
He said preliminary studies had been completed, with the ceramics project progressing towards take-off and a leading German glass manufacturer expressing interest in the proposed glass factory.
On maritime development, he identified the proposed Burutu Seaport as a major investment opportunity, noting its strategic access to inland waterways linking Onitsha, Lokoja and other commercial centres.
He said the port secured a 40-year concession in 2023, with its second phase designed to accommodate a depth requirement of 41 metres.
The project, he added, had received Federal Executive Council and Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission approvals.
Other maritime assets include ports in Warri, Sapele and Koko, as well as several jetties with potential for shipbuilding and related businesses.
However, he identified the silting of waterways as a major challenge, urging Afreximbank and other development finance institutions to invest in dredging to improve navigation and maritime commerce.
Giving an overview of the state’s economy, Oborevwori said Delta had an estimated population of 6.7 million, a GDP of about $1.7 billion and a 2026 budget of approximately N1.72 trillion.
He recalled that his administration committed $100 million as initial Viability Gap Funding at the August 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit to derisk investments of prospective investors.
He cited the acquisition of 100 hectares of land by multinational agribusiness company, Olam, for a proposed $70 million agro-processing facility as evidence of growing investor confidence.
He also highlighted the state’s one-stop-shop investment arrangement and incentives aimed at simplifying business processes and reducing the cost of doing business.
On electricity, he said power plants in Sapele, Ughelli and Okpai had a combined installed generation capacity exceeding 3,500 megawatts, positioning Delta as a major contributor to national power generation.
He said the administration was addressing transmission and distribution challenges through legal and administrative reforms, while encouraging private-sector investment in electricity infrastructure.
He added that the government was also exploring gas-based industries, including liquefied natural gas and compressed natural gas projects.
“Delta State has the natural resources, strategic location, infrastructure and investment opportunities to support profitable businesses. We are inviting local and international investors to partner with us.
“Our message is simple: Delta State is ready for business,” Oborevwori said.
Members of the Delta delegation included the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr Barry Gbe; Director-General of DIDA, Hon Anthony Elekeokwuri; Special Adviser on Finance, Investment and International Development, Barr. George Orogun; and Executive Assistant to the Governor on Media, Dr Nelson Egware.
