THE Delta State Government has renewed its drive to attract local and foreign investment, inviting investors to take advantage of the state’s growing business opportunities and investor-friendly reforms aimed at boosting economic growth and job creation.

The call was made during a town hall meeting held in Asaba by the Delta State Government in collaboration with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) as part of a nationwide engagement with members of the organised private sector.

Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the event, the Commissioner for Finance, Sir Fidelis Tilije, said the administration had introduced a series of reforms designed to improve the ease of doing business and position Delta State as a preferred investment destination.

Tilije said the reforms span critical areas, including land administration, investment facilitation, public-private partnerships, revenue administration, security, and commercial dispute resolution.

According to him, the state government has digitally indexed and archived all Certificates of Occupancy issued between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2024, to improve efficiency and transparency in land administration.

He also disclosed that Governor Oborevwori had signed an Executive Order institutionalising the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agricultural Investment (FRILIA), while the government had automated its central billing system for taxes, levies and other payments across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Tilije said the state had strengthened its legal and regulatory environment through the implementation of the Delta State Anti-Kidnapping Law, 2016, and the establishment of Small Claims Courts, which are expected to resolve commercial disputes within 60 days.

He assured prospective investors that Delta State remains peaceful, secure and committed to creating a transparent, efficient and business-friendly environment that encourages investment and enterprise development.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahra Mustapha Audu, underscored the importance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.

She explained that the nationwide town hall meetings were designed to promote business-friendly reforms at the sub-national level and encourage states to create enabling environments for investment and economic expansion.

Audu also highlighted the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme, which links funding for states to measurable improvements in areas such as land administration, regulatory efficiency and tax administration.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the organised private sector, including representatives of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), and other business groups.

Participants used the forum to discuss practical strategies for improving the investment climate, strengthening collaboration between government and the private sector, and unlocking Delta State’s economic potential.