By Sunday Apah
Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphatically declared Delta State a premier investment hub, urging both local and international investors to seize the burgeoning opportunities presented by Nigeria’s revitalized economic landscape.
His pronouncement came at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026, where Governor Sheriff Oborevwori unveiled a groundbreaking US $100 million Viability Gap Funding initiative designed to de-risk strategic private sector investments.
Shettima highlighted the profound impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s bold economic reforms, which he credited with restoring investor confidence, bolstering macroeconomic stability, and elevating Nigeria’s global credit profile. “Every state possesses immense promise with its unique history, geography, people and comparative advantage. This is the race we must welcome, a race in which states compete to create employment, prosperity and human dignity,” Shettima stated, emphasizing the healthy competition among states to foster development.
He further noted that increased federal allocations, a direct result of ongoing fiscal reforms, have empowered state governments to pursue ambitious development agendas. Recent upgrades by leading rating agencies like Fitch, S&P Global, and Moody’s underscore the growing international trust in Nigeria’s economic trajectory. “These are proof that Nigeria is regaining credibility, and the best time to invest is now before the opportunity becomes expensive,” he added, underscoring the urgency for investors.
Beyond its significant oil wealth, Shettima lauded Delta’s unwavering commitment to economic diversification as its greatest strength. He pinpointed the state’s strategic coastline, bustling ports, vast natural gas reserves, refining assets, immense agricultural potential, burgeoning blue economy opportunities, and rich deposits of solid minerals as crucial assets poised to transform Delta into a major industrial and commercial powerhouse.
Governor Oborevwori, in his address, explained that the summit’s core objective is to translate discussions into tangible investments that will accelerate industrialization, diversify the economy, and create jobs. This initiative follows successful investment promotion missions to China and Brazil in 2025, aimed at forging strategic global partnerships. With an estimated economy valued at approximately ₦17 trillion, Delta stands as one of Nigeria’s most attractive investment destinations, boasting abundant natural resources, improving infrastructure, sound fiscal management, and investor-friendly policies. The governor also revealed tax incentives, including waivers on tenement rates and other charges for up to five years, alongside the establishment of an Ease of Doing Business Council to streamline investment processes.
Distinguished speakers at the summit included Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), who urged Delta State to capitalize on global supply chain realignments, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and Nigeria’s economic reforms to emerge as the nation’s next industrial growth hub. Professor Charles Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, highlighted Nigeria’s improved macroeconomic fundamentals, while renowned Pan-Africanist Professor Patrick Lumumba challenged African governments and investors to embrace the continent’s vast economic potential.
Finance Minister Professor Taiwo Oyedele reaffirmed the positive impact of the Tinubu administration’s reforms on state revenues. Business leaders also expressed keen interest, with Mr. Tony Elumelu of Transcorp Power Holdings pledging partnership for reliable electricity, and Mr. Ramos Olukayode of Mosra Energy revealing significant coal deposits in Delta. Notably, Mr. Julius Rone of UTM Gas Limited announced that Delta State’s ₦42 billion equity stake in his company has soared to approximately ₦200 billion, further solidifying the state’s position as a major energy investment destination.
