The Delta State Government has announced plans to position the state as one of Nigeria’s leading industrial and investment destinations through the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit (DSEIS) 2026, scheduled to hold from August 3 to 5 in Asaba.
The disclosure was contained in a statement issued by the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Governor’s Office, Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, ahead of the summit.
According to the statement, the three-day event is designed to attract both local and foreign investment into strategic sectors capable of accelerating industrialisation, creating jobs, boosting economic productivity and expanding the state’s revenue base.
The government disclosed that the summit is expected to culminate in the signing of more than five strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), reflecting growing investor confidence in Delta State’s economic potential.
Speaking ahead of the summit, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, said the Oborevwori administration had identified priority sectors with strong investment prospects to drive sustainable economic growth.
He explained that discussions at the summit would focus on infrastructure-led industrialisation, agriculture and agro-industrial value chains, the Delta Special Economic Zone, affordable energy, the blue economy, mining and solid minerals, transport and maritime connectivity, as well as international investment partnerships.
According to Emu, these sectors form part of the state’s long-term strategy to diversify the economy, increase internally generated revenue, create sustainable employment and stimulate Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.
The government noted that investments in infrastructure have strengthened Delta’s competitiveness, with more than 2,600 kilometres of roads and over 20 bridges constructed or rehabilitated in the last three years to improve connectivity between production hubs and markets.
It also highlighted the Delta Special Economic Zone, supported by the nearby OB-3 Gas Pipeline, as a major attraction for investors seeking reliable and affordable energy for manufacturing and industrial operations.
On agriculture, the state identified commercial farming and agro-processing as key drivers of future growth, citing Delta’s fertile land, favourable climate and abundant water resources as competitive advantages.
Priority investment opportunities include cassava processing, rice milling, palm oil refining, rubber processing, poultry production, animal feed manufacturing, food packaging and export-oriented agro-processing aimed at strengthening food security, expanding non-oil exports and creating employment.
The government further highlighted the state’s blue economy potential, pointing to its four seaports, two airports and 163-kilometre Atlantic coastline as strategic assets for investments in aquaculture, seafood processing, marine transport, cold-chain logistics and export fisheries.
It also identified mining and solid minerals as another growth area, citing commercially viable deposits of coal, lignite, kaolin and silica that could support mineral processing, ceramics manufacturing, cement production and other industrial activities.
According to the statement, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s investment engagements with partners in China, Brazil and other countries have continued to attract international interest in Delta State.
The government expressed optimism that the expected investment agreements would promote technology transfer, establish new manufacturing and agro-processing facilities, expand export-oriented industries and accelerate long-term economic development across the state.
