Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on Brazilian investors to take advantage of the vast economic opportunities in Delta State, Nigeria, describing the state as a strategic gateway for trade, agriculture, energy, and industrial growth in West Africa.
Governor Oborevwori made the appeal while speaking at the “Delta State-Focused Business and Investment Roundtable” held in São Paulo, Brazil. The event was designed to showcase Delta’s economic potential and attract foreign investment.
Highlighting the strong diplomatic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil, Oborevwori noted the shared characteristics of both nations — including population size, agricultural prospects, cultural diversity, and a love for football — as a basis for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
“Delta is naturally endowed and strategically located,” the Governor said. “Our state is one of Nigeria’s top five economies, with over 18,000 square kilometres of land and a population exceeding six million. We are rich in crude oil, natural gas, agricultural produce, and solid minerals. These make Delta a prime destination for investors.”
He emphasized that Delta is Nigeria’s leading oil-producing state and home to the country’s largest natural gas reserves, supported by major export terminals in Escravos and Forcados.
Oborevwori also drew attention to the state’s extensive maritime infrastructure, including four seaports and the ongoing concession of the Burutu Seaport, which he said could evolve into a key trans-shipment hub for West and South-West Africa.
Beyond oil and gas, the Governor spotlighted agriculture as a major pillar of Delta’s economy. He outlined the state’s potential in cassava, palm produce, rice, maize, aquaculture, and livestock, adding that Delta also harbours commercially viable deposits of kaolin, silica, coal, lignite, and iron ore.
“Delta’s fertile land and youthful population create an ideal environment for agro-industrial investments,” he said.
On infrastructure, Oborevwori noted that Delta’s location allows it to serve as a vital link to Nigeria’s commercial hubs, including Lagos, Onitsha, and Aba. He also highlighted the state’s three functional airports and significant investments in road infrastructure aimed at improving connectivity and logistics.
Since taking office in May 2023, the Governor said his administration has implemented business-friendly reforms, including tax harmonization, the creation of economic free trade zones in Koko and Kwale, and the passage of pro-investment legislation.
He further revealed that Delta was recently recognized by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources as the safest state in Nigeria for oil and gas investments — a testament to ongoing efforts to foster a secure and stable business environment.
The Governor also spoke about the state’s agro-industrialisation drive, noting the development of a 180-hectare Agro-Industrial Park designed to host 20 to 30 processing plants. He added that Delta is embracing decentralized mini-grid energy solutions to power industrial growth and sustainability.
Oborevwori expressed keen interest in adopting Brazil’s successful ranching model to enhance livestock production in Delta.
“I am enthusiastic about partnering with Brazil’s business community for shared growth and prosperity,” he concluded.
Also speaking at the roundtable, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, addressed the gathering of Brazilian investors. He underscored Delta’s potential as a key investment destination and outlined various CBN initiatives aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s economy and fostering investor confidence.
The São Paulo roundtable marks a significant step in Delta State’s drive to attract international investment and establish strategic partnerships to drive sustainable development.
