Oborevwori Seeks Global Partnerships To Unlock Delta’s Ports, Power & Industrial Potential
Oborevwori Markets Delta’s Industrial & Maritime Opportunities to Global Investors
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has intensified efforts to attract domestic and foreign investments, presenting the state’s industrial, maritime, agricultural and energy opportunities to participants at a major African investment conference.
Represented by the Chairman of the Delta State Investment Development Agency (DIDA), Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru, the governor addressed the 6th African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference 2026 in Calabar, Cross River State.
The conference, scheduled for 12 to 14 November 2026, examines “The Role of Sovereigns in Catalysing Development through Trade and Investments.”
Oborevwori told participants that Delta had identified bankable projects across key economic sectors. He assured investors that his administration was working to provide a business environment that supports investment and commercial growth.
A major part of the state’s investment strategy is its $100 million Viability Gap Funding commitment. The governor recalled that he announced the initial funding at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in August 2026 to help de-risk prospective investments.
He explained that the funding would improve the attractiveness of projects and encourage investors to commit capital to the state.
Delta’s two economic free zones in Kwale and Koko also featured prominently in the investment pitch. According to the governor, the zones offer opportunities for gas-based industries, manufacturing and other industrial ventures.
He listed a proposed ceramics raw materials plant requiring €50 million and a glass manufacturing facility estimated to cost between $50 million and $200 million, depending on its production capacity. Another industrial project would require approximately €19 million.
Although the projects remain at different stages of development, Oborevwori said preliminary studies had been completed. He added that the ceramics project was moving towards take-off, while a leading German glass manufacturer had indicated interest in the proposed facility.
The governor also placed maritime infrastructure at the centre of Delta’s investment proposition. He described the proposed Burutu Seaport as a strategic asset because of its access to inland waterways connecting Onitsha, Lokoja and other commercial centres.
According to him, the port received a 40-year concession in 2023. Its second phase was designed to meet a depth requirement of 41 metres, while the project had secured Federal Executive Council and Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission approvals.
Beyond Burutu, Delta has existing maritime assets in Warri, Sapele and Koko. The state also has several jetties that could support shipbuilding and other maritime-related enterprises.
However, the governor acknowledged that silting along the waterways threatens the sector’s potential. He consequently called on Afreximbank and other development finance institutions to support dredging interventions that would improve navigation and expand maritime commerce.
To demonstrate the scale of the state’s economy, Oborevwori cited an estimated population of 6.7 million, a GDP of about $1.7 billion and a 2026 budget of approximately ₦1.72 trillion.
He further pointed to Olam’s acquisition of 100 hectares of land for a proposed $70 million agro-processing facility. He presented the development as an indication of investor interest in Delta’s agricultural value chain.
Meanwhile, the administration’s one-stop-shop investment arrangement and business incentives are intended to simplify regulatory procedures and reduce the cost of doing business.
Energy also formed a central part of the governor’s presentation. He said the power plants in Sapele, Ughelli and Okpai had a combined installed generation capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.
However, he acknowledged that transmission and distribution constraints continue to affect the electricity value chain. To address these challenges, the government is pursuing legal and administrative reforms while encouraging private-sector participation in power infrastructure.
The administration is also exploring gas-based industrial ventures, 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,” the governor declared.
The Delta delegation included Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Barry Gbe; DIDA Director-General, 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.
