Gov Oborevwori launches Delta into global market space, says “Delta State is Open – and Ready – for Business”

…declares I eagerly look forward to partnering with the business community of Brazil for our mutual benefit

The Governor of Delta state, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori on Thursday launched the ‘Big Heart ‘ into the global market space declaring that Delta is open and ready for business.

Apparently, Oborevwori is arguably the first Chief Executive of the oil rich state to make such a global move for investors to tap into the many untapped business opportunities in virtually all the local government areas of the Niger Delta region.

TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports Oborevwori opened up all the potentials and moves made by his administration at ‘The Delta -State Focused Business/Investment Roundtable, , at Sao Pailo Brazil.

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Hear him:

“I am delighted to be here to discuss collaborations between Delta State and the business
community of Brazil at this business roundtable .

“This forum holds bright prospects for us to share ideas and forge strategic partnerships for the
purposes of accelerated economic growth and sustainable development in our respective climes.

“Without an iota of doubt, Nigeria and Brazil share a lot in common. Nigeria is diversifying its
economy beyond oil, with agriculture as a key sector, following Brazil’s model.

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“Brazil has a relatively
high population density like Nigeria, which is the most populous country in Africa, and also one of
the most densely populated countries in the world. Both countries enjoy tropical climate and are known for their diverse and vibrant cultures. And lest I forget, Nigeria and Brazil are both
passionate about football.

” I am therefore excited to be at the forefront of forging this prospective partnership during my
tenure as Governor of Delta state. Coincidentally, we just celebrated our 34th anniversary as a
state, precisely created on August 27, 1991.

“Since then, our dear state has grown to become one of
the five (5) largest economies out of the thirty six states in Nigeria.

” Let me highlight a few
interesting facts that makes Delta State distinguished:
• The state is strategically located in the oil-rich Niger Delta with land mass of over eighteen
thousand square kilometres and a population of over 6 million people, who are mostly youths,
reputable across the country particularly for their intelligence, drive, resilience, determination,
industry and sportsmanship.

• Delta state is the leading producer of oil and it also houses the largest reserve of gas in the
country.

“In addition, the state has two of the largest crude oil export terminals; the Escravos and
Forcados export terminals.

• Delta State also has the longest coastline in Nigeria of about one hundred and sixty three (163km)
and is home to four sea ports; (Burutu, Warri, Sapele, and Koko) sea ports.

“I wish to inform you
that the Burutu Sea Port, which is under concession needs investors to take it through its three-
phased developmental plan.

“The first phase comprises the development of the existing port,
leading ultimately to the third phase, which will involve the construction of an inter-continental
trans-shipment port with depth of 23 metres. As a sign of commitment, Delta State Government holds 5% equity in the project meant to de-risk investment in the project.

“Investing in this port will
transform it to becoming the trans-shipment centre for West and South-West Africa as well as the
hub of Nigeria’s import-export trade.

“The river network provides a direct route to the Atlantic
Ocean, thereby facilitating international trade;
• Good ecology and fertile soil for agriculture; the state enjoys comparative advantages in the
production of oil palm, cassava, and aquaculture. Maize, tomato, rice, and vegetables are also
grown in abundant quantities.

“There are investment opportunities in the livestock (meat processing
and storage facilities), establishment of ranches, breeder farms and hatcheries. There are also investment windows in mechanized agriculture through the provision of agricultural land and
deployment of machinery for increased productivity;

• Large deposits of solid mineral resources such as kaolin, lignite, silica, iron ore, coal, and
bentonite for commercial exploration and processing. With the availability of natural gas in clay bearing areas, investors have the advantage of producing clay products with clean and relatively
cheaper energy;

• The state is a nexus connecting major market centres in Nigeria such as Lagos, Onitsha, and Aba.
Lagos is the business capital of Nigeria, while Onitsha and Aba are the powerhouses of trade and
commerce in the country;
• Accessibility by air is covered with the three airports in Delta namely; Asaba International and
Cargo Airport, Osubi Airport, and Escravos Airport.

” Finally, it is about the only state in Nigeria with multiple urban centres, numbering as many as ten;
thus, it is a highly cosmopolitan state.

Delta State is Open – and Ready – for Business

“Since I assumed office on May 29, 2023, my administration has invested massively in upgrading
road infrastructure in the state to improve urban-rural connectivity and enhance free flow of goods
and services.

“We have also been very deliberate and intentional in formulating policies and programmes that would enhance the Ease of Doing Business.

“Some of the measures we have taken include but not limited to the following:
• Harmonisation of taxes and consolidated payment;
• Establishment of Economic Free Trade Zones: we have strategically created our economic free
trade zones in Koko and Kwale with over 3, 200 hectares of land for investors to tap into.

“Delta State
Government is presently holding 100% ownership, however, We are desirous to have anchor
investors and tenants into these zones as soon as they show interest;
• Promulgation of the appropriate laws to enable a conducive atmosphere for investors and
businesses; examples of such laws include the Delta State Investment Development Agency Law
2016, Delta State Security Trust Fund Law 2016, Delta State Public and Private Protection Law 2018
and the Delta State Electricity Power Sector Law, 2024.

“Just last week in Abuja, we hosted a very successful business round table with renewable energy investors in conjunction with the Rural Electrification Agency and World Bank.
• Continuous investment in security by government to create a safe and secure environment for
business to thrive.

“In 2024, Delta State was adjudged the Safest State for Oil and Gas Investments in Nigeria by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the apex regulatory body in the industry.

” In conclusion, I want to point out that we are continually engaging in strategic partnerships with
the private sector through promotional policies and activities to make Delta State an investment
haven.

“Our agro-industrialisation plan provides ample opportunities for profitable private sector
investments in commercial agriculture and agribusiness.

“We have invested in an agro-industrial park that spans over 180 hectares of land, with plans for
various facilities such as rice factories, warehouses, packing houses, and cold storage area.

” The park is designed as a multipurpose and multi-product epicentre of agro-processing, agro-industrial,
and agribusiness activities.

“It can host 20-30 agro-processing factories and agro-business
enterprises. We are also desirous of entering into partnerships with prospective investors under a
Public Private Partnership (PPP) model in housing and manufacturing.

“We use this opportunity to
invite you to take advantage of my administration’s recent adoption of a decentralized mini-grid
model to drive a sustainable energy sector to boost our industrialization in the state.

“Finally, it will be our pleasure to undertake a tour of some of your famous ranches for our
education and benefit. We recognize that Brazil is a model in this business, and it is our desire to introduce this in our state.

“On this note, I want to thank you for your time and attention. I eagerly look forward to partnering
with the business community of Brazil for our mutual benefit.

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