Delta governor tells investors to look beyond oil as agriculture, mining, energy and technology emerge as key growth sectors at the 2026 investment summit

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has renewed his call for Delta Economic Diversification, urging local and foreign investors to channel capital into agriculture, mining, energy, technology and other high-growth sectors as the oil-producing state seeks a more resilient economic future.

Also read: Niger Delta: A paradox awaiting resolution

Speaking at the close of the second day of the 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba on Tuesday, Oborevwori said discussions throughout the event had reinforced the urgency of reducing the state’s dependence on oil revenue by unlocking investment opportunities across multiple industries.

“We can no longer depend on one source of revenue. We must diversify our economy by attracting strategic investments into sectors where Delta State has a clear comparative advantage.

That is the pathway to creating jobs, growing businesses and improving the quality of life of our people,” the governor said.

Oborevwori thanked local and international investors, development partners and other participants for attending the summit, expressing confidence that the engagements would translate into projects capable of transforming Delta’s economy.

He said sessions on agriculture and livestock development, energy, the blue economy, transport infrastructure, solid minerals, the digital economy and legal reforms highlighted the state’s vast but largely untapped investment potential.

The governor stressed that the summit was conceived as a private sector-led initiative focused on converting investor interest into tangible projects rather than serving as a routine government gathering.

“This summit is not a talk show. It is a practical platform that connects investors with bankable opportunities and turns investment interests into real projects,” Oborevwori said.

He added that the state’s role is to create an enabling environment through improved infrastructure, stronger security, predictable policies and closer collaboration with private investors.

As part of those efforts, the governor disclosed that Delta State has already secured land for strategic investment projects and undertaken investment roadshows to countries including China and Brazil to showcase business opportunities across the state.

Oborevwori expressed optimism that the partnerships initiated during the summit would stimulate new industries, expand employment opportunities and boost economic activity in communities across Delta.

Beyond the governor’s address, industry experts used the summit to highlight sectors they believe could become powerful drivers of long-term growth.

Former South-South Vice President of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Chief Eta Enahoro, urged the government to prioritise investment in poultry and aquaculture, arguing that both industries have the capacity to create thousands of sustainable jobs.

“Many young people looking for political appointments can become successful entrepreneurs if they are supported to establish poultry and fish farms,” Enahoro said.

The summit also attracted international interest.

Brazilian agribusiness investor Roberto Fonseca announced plans to partner with the Delta State Government to establish a modern cattle and beef value chain covering breeding, ranching, slaughterhouses, beef processing, cold storage and distribution.

Fonseca said Delta possesses environmental conditions comparable to those that helped transform Brazil into one of the world’s largest beef producers.

“Delta has the natural conditions to become a major livestock production hub serving Nigeria and neighbouring African countries,” he said.

During discussions on the blue economy, Dr Uche Igwe called for stronger action against illegal and unregulated fishing, arguing that effective management of the state’s waterways could unlock significant economic value.

The summit also highlighted Delta’s mineral resources.

Managing Director of Mosra Energy, Ramos Olukayode, revealed that Delta hosts more than 200 million tonnes of coal deposits across Obomkpa, Ugbodu and Ukunzu, describing the reserves as a strategic asset for industrial development.

Olukayode disclosed plans to develop a 600-megawatt power plant in Obomkpa, adding that more than 200 hectares of land have already been secured for the project.

He noted that the area also contains substantial kaolin and clay deposits capable of supporting manufacturing industries.

The summit comes as subnational governments across Nigeria intensify efforts to attract private capital following years of fiscal pressure driven by volatile oil revenues.

Many states are increasingly positioning agriculture, solid minerals, renewable energy, manufacturing and digital innovation as alternative sources of economic growth, employment and internally generated revenue.

Also read: Delta Student Killed as Police Hunt 21-Year-Old Brother

For Delta, whose economy has historically been anchored on crude oil production, the discussions in Asaba reflected a broader ambition to build a more resilient and diversified economy capable of sustaining long-term development beyond the energy sector.