Delta Targets Investors with Massive Infrastructure, Blue Economy Drive Ahead of Economic Summit 2026
Delta State Government has unveiled an ambitious investment strategy anchored on world-class infrastructure, the blue economy, reliable electricity supply and the Delta Special Economic Zone as it prepares to host the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 from August 3 to 5 in Asaba.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing ahead of the summit, saying Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration has laid a strong foundation for sustainable economic growth and industrial development through strategic investments across critical sectors.
According to Emu, the administration has constructed and rehabilitated more than 2,600 kilometres of roads and over 20 bridges, significantly improving connectivity between rural communities, reducing transportation costs and opening new economic corridors across the state.
He said the government’s sustained investment in infrastructure has positioned Delta as one of Nigeria’s most attractive destinations for both local and international investors.
Delta Special Economic Zone Offers Competitive Power Supply
Emu identified the Delta Special Economic Zone (DSEZ) as one of the state’s biggest investment advantages, noting that its proximity to the OB-3 gas pipeline guarantees access to some of Nigeria’s most affordable and reliable electricity for industries.
“The infrastructure has been provided. Government has created the enabling environment. Investors can come into Delta and enjoy competitive energy costs that many other states cannot offer,” he said.
He further disclosed that the state currently operates an independent electricity infrastructure generating about 8.5 megawatts of power for government facilities and public institutions, while ongoing reforms in the electricity sector are expected to expand affordable power supply to businesses and industries.
Blue Economy Positioned as Major Growth Sector
The SSG also highlighted Delta’s strategic maritime assets, revealing that the state possesses four seaports, two airports and a 163-kilometre Atlantic coastline, making it one of Nigeria’s most strategically located investment destinations.
He said the Oborevwori administration plans to unlock the state’s vast blue economy potential through investments in aquaculture, commercial fishing, seafood processing, fish feed production, cold-chain logistics and marine transportation.
According to Emu, Delta hosts one of West Africa’s largest concentrations of fish ponds around the Ekpan and Ugborikoko axis, where fish farming has become a major source of employment and economic empowerment for thousands of residents.
Mining, Manufacturing Opportunities Expand Investment Portfolio
Beyond maritime resources, Emu said Delta is richly endowed with commercially viable deposits of coal, lignite, kaolin and silica, creating opportunities for mining, manufacturing and energy production.
He noted that coal extracted from parts of the state already supplies major cement manufacturing companies, while plans are being developed for coal-powered electricity generation to further strengthen industrial expansion.
Foreign Investors from China, Brazil Expected at Summit
The Delta State Government revealed that it has spent the last three years promoting investment opportunities across key international markets, including China and Brazil.
Emu disclosed that recent investment engagements in São Paulo have produced encouraging outcomes, with Brazilian companies expected to participate in the summit alongside several Chinese investors who have also expressed strong interest in the state’s economic opportunities.
To support investor participation, he said the government has developed detailed investment prospectuses and launched a dedicated summit website to facilitate engagement before, during and after the event.
Oborevwori Seeks Partnerships for Economic Transformation
Expressing optimism about the forthcoming summit, Emu said the event would serve as a major catalyst for Delta State’s economic transformation by attracting investments capable of accelerating industrialisation, boosting exports and creating sustainable employment for the state’s growing youthful population.
“The opportunities are enormous. We have the resources, the infrastructure, the connectivity and the political will. What we seek now is partnership with investors who are ready to grow with Delta,” he said.
The Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 is expected to bring together policymakers, business leaders, development partners and investors from Nigeria and across the world to explore investment opportunities across the state’s strategic sectors, including infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, agriculture, mining and the blue economy.
