The Delta State government has confirmed growing international interest in its forthcoming Investment and Economic Summit, with 25 prospective investors from Brazil and China indicating participation alongside top government officials and business leaders.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chairman of the Summit Organizing Committee, Dr Kingsley Emu, disclosed the development during an interactive stakeholders’ meeting held in Asaba on Monday.
Emu said Vice President Kashim Shettima and World Trade Organization Director-General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala have confirmed attendance, alongside senior government officials, development finance institutions, and prominent private-sector investors nationwide.
“Our sister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO, will be the keynote speaker.
“Mr Austin Avuru is the chairman of the Summit. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy,
has personally acknowledged his attendance, while the vice president, Sen. Kashim Shettima, has also confirmed his attendance.
“It is going to be a star-studded programme, with participation from the national level, development finance institutions, and a host of others,” he said.
According to him, the summit, themed, “Harnessing Our Strengths and Potential,” is designed to attract strategic investments by connecting Delta state’s abundant economic opportunities with local and international investors.
He explained that foreign investors have already expressed interest in partnering with credible indigenous businesses, stressing that collaboration between international investors and local enterprises would drive sustainable economic development statewide.
Emu said Delta would showcase carefully prepared investment opportunities instead of promotional presentations, with agriculture, aquaculture, manufacturing, power, oil and gas, blue economy, and solid minerals receiving priority attention.
He highlighted the state’s competitive advantages, including a youthful population, abundant natural resources, expanding infrastructure, extensive waterways, and several tertiary institutions capable of producing skilled manpower for emerging industries.
The SSG noted that Delta is deliberately diversifying beyond crude oil by strengthening agriculture, services, manufacturing, and other non-oil sectors expected to generate employment and stimulate inclusive economic growth.
He identified cassava, rice, and other agricultural value chains as key investment opportunities, adding that the government sought investors capable of creating industries that would deliver jobs and sustainable economic value.
Emu described aquaculture as one of Delta’s most promising sectors, urging investment in fish feed production, cold storage facilities, processing plants, and commercial fishing activities across the state’s waterways.
He also identified power generation as a major investment frontier, saying Delta’s abundant gas resources and proposed mini-grid electricity solutions would enhance industrial productivity and improve reliable energy supply.
According to Emu, the summit will feature investment matchmaking, sector-specific discussions, project site visits, and structured follow-up engagements designed to convert investor interest into viable business partnerships and projects.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Amb. Janet Olisa reaffirmed the organised private sector’s commitment to partnering with the Delta government to attract investments and create jobs.
