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Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on local and foreign investors to seize opportunities in Nigeria’s improving economy, declaring Delta State strategically positioned to become one of the country’s foremost investment hubs.

Speaking Monday at the opening of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, Shettima said President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms had strengthened macroeconomic stability, improved Nigeria’s global credit profile, and created the right environment for long-term investments.

“Every state possesses immense promise with its unique history, geography, people and comparative advantage,” Shettima told delegates. “This is the race we must welcome, a race in which states compete to create employment, prosperity and human dignity.”

The Vice President pointed to recent upgrades by Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s as evidence of growing international confidence in Nigeria’s economy. “These are proof that Nigeria is regaining credibility, and the best time to invest is now before the opportunity becomes expensive,” he added.

Shettima identified Delta’s strategic coastline, ports, natural gas reserves, refining assets, agricultural potential, blue economy opportunities and solid mineral deposits as key assets capable of transforming the state into a major industrial and commercial hub.

$100 Million Viability Fund Unveiled

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori announced that the state government had set aside US$100 million as Viability Gap Funding to de-risk strategic private sector investments, describing it as a major step toward converting investment commitments into bankable projects.

The governor said the summit was conceived to move beyond discussions and deliver measurable investments capable of accelerating industrialisation, economic diversification and job creation.

Oborevwori disclosed that Delta, with an estimated economy valued at about ₦17 trillion, had introduced tax incentives including waivers on tenement rates, levies and other charges for up to five years, while establishing an Ease of Doing Business Council to simplify investment processes.

He noted that over 12,000 hectares of land had been earmarked for commercial agriculture, while the state’s 163-kilometre coastline road presented enormous opportunities in the blue economy. The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources had recognised Delta as Nigeria’s Safest State for Oil and Gas Investments in 2024, he added.

WTO Chief Urges Industrial Growth Push

In her keynote address, World Trade Organisation Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala urged Delta to leverage global supply chain realignments, the African Continental Free Trade Area and Nigeria’s economic reforms to position itself as the country’s next industrial growth hub.

Declaring herself “a Delta State optimist”, Okonjo-Iweala said the state’s natural gas reserves, seaports, rail connectivity, fertile agricultural land, skilled workforce and fiscal discipline placed it in a strong position to compete with established commercial centres.

She advised concentrating investments in the Delta Special Economic Zone, agro-processing, blue economy, oil and gas value addition, marine logistics and digital infrastructure, while investing in artificial intelligence and digital connectivity.

Major Investment Commitments Announced

Transcorp Power Holdings Chairman Tony Elumelu pledged the company’s readiness to partner with the Delta government to provide reliable electricity for industries and households across the state.

Mosra Energy CEO Ramos Olukayode disclosed that Delta possesses over 200 million tonnes of coal deposits in Obomkpa, Ukunzu and surrounding communities.

UTM Gas Limited CEO Julius Rone revealed that Delta State’s ₦42 billion investment for an eight per cent equity stake in the company in 2022 is now valued at about ₦200 billion. Rone also announced that UTM Gas would establish its corporate headquarters in Warri when operations commence fully in 2030.

Anambra State Governor Prof. Charles Soludo said Nigeria had moved from capital flight in 2023 to a more stable and predictable exchange rate environment in 2026, advocating stronger economic collaboration between Delta and Anambra States.

Pan-Africanist Prof. Patrick Lumumba challenged African governments and investors to have greater confidence in the continent’s economic potential, urging increased intra-African investment to accelerate industrialisation and reduce dependence on foreign capital.

Finance Minister Prof. Taiwo Oyedele described Delta as a natural powerhouse of the blue economy and encouraged investors to see both the state and Nigeria as leading investment destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The two-day summit continues Tuesday with sector-specific investment sessions and business matching forums.