By Sunday Apah
The Delta State Government’s efforts to draw foreign direct investment gained significant momentum on Wednesday. Investors from Brazil, Malaysia and the United States showed clear enthusiasm for opportunities in the state’s agriculture, energy and industrial sectors after touring key sites.
Participants in the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit inspected the Kwale Special Economic Zone. There they toured the Kwale Gas Gathering Hub and facilities operated by Phoenix Company.
The group later visited Skyward Resources Group in Oleh and Uzezi Farms in Oyede. Officials and investors alike praised the state’s business-friendly climate and expressed readiness to pursue strategic partnerships.
Roberto Fonseca, who led the Brazilian agribusiness team, called the Kwale Special Economic Zone a thoughtfully designed project with the potential to draw international capital and advance Nigeria’s industrial growth.
He explained that the delegation had followed developments at the zone for some time before deciding to visit in person. The initiative, he said, demonstrates the state government’s determination to build an attractive investment climate.
Fonseca revealed that the Brazilian group is examining possible investments in gas-fired power generation and a cassava processing plant under a joint-venture model. He pointed to Kwale’s location as a major advantage for such projects.
“We have studied the Kwale Special Economic Zone carefully and see it as a smart move by the Delta State Government,” he said. “We are looking at natural-gas power generation and cassava processing. I expect the Brazilian flag will soon fly here alongside Nigeria’s in a productive partnership.”
At Skyward Resources Group and Uzezi Farms, Fonseca highlighted the modern agricultural operations as proof that Nigeria can expand food production and move closer to food security.
Brazil, one of the world’s leading agribusiness countries, is prepared to invest in ranching and beef processing and to share technology and innovation that can raise productivity, he added.
“Food security is still one of Nigeria’s greatest challenges,” Fonseca stated. “Brazil is ready to help with technology, expertise and capital. We are committed to working with Nigeria to strengthen its agricultural sector.”
Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria Aiyub Omar said his country is examining opportunities in Delta’s agricultural sector, especially oil-palm development.
He attended the summit with representatives of Malaysian agribusiness firms experienced in large-scale plantation management, including companies already managing more than 12,000 hectares of oil palm in Nigeria. Discussions with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on possible collaboration have already begun, he noted, expressing confidence that Malaysian know-how can support the state’s agricultural transformation.
Dr. Shermal Perera, founder of Agrinexus, reported that his organisation is already active in Nigeria and has started working with local partners in Delta State. Agrinexus serves as technical partner to JB Farms, a leading Nigerian oil-palm company, and is assisting DELCOM with a proposed smallholder oil-palm programme. The company has also brought an American investor to examine opportunities in the state, showing that international interest is turning into concrete business talks.
Delta State Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, who led the visiting team, explained that the state deliberately paired investment discussions with on-site visits to existing businesses. The aim was to show that Delta is genuinely ready for investment. Beyond the presentations delivered at the summit, the state already hosts thriving private-sector enterprises that are open to expansion through international partnerships.
“We are seeking partnership, technology and expertise,” Onyeme said. “We want investors to see that Delta means business. We have local entrepreneurs who are committed for the long term and ready to work with partners from anywhere in the world. We want you to feel confident that your investments will be secure here.”
Chief Eta Enahoro, Managing Director of Skyward Resources Group, noted that his agricultural enterprise has benefited from substantial Brazilian technical support. The company’s greenhouses, poultry operations and feed mill were developed with Brazilian expertise. The farm currently runs 42 greenhouse units and a poultry facility capable of holding more than 30,000 birds. Enahoro invited foreign investors to join the company in expanding its operations.
