The Delta State Government has revealed that no fewer than 25 prospective investors from Brazil, alongside several others from China, have expressed interest in participating in the forthcoming Delta State Investment and Economic Summit, a major initiative aimed at attracting local and foreign capital into the state’s key economic sectors.
The summit is expected to draw an impressive lineup of national and international figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who will serve as keynote speaker.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chairman of the Summit Main Organising Committee, Dr. Kingsley Emu, disclosed this during an interactive stakeholders’ session in Asaba on Monday. He said the event would serve as a strategic platform to connect Delta State’s vast economic opportunities with both domestic and international investors.
The summit, themed “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potential,” is also expected to attract the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, development finance institutions, and top private-sector players. Renowned oil and gas entrepreneur Engr. Austin Avuru will chair the event.
According to Emu, preparations are already underway to host the international investors who have signalled strong interest in exploring opportunities across the state.
“To date, 25 potential investors are coming from Brazil, while many others from China have also indicated interest. We are making adequate preparations to receive them,” he said.
He added that the participation of high-profile government officials, development partners and business leaders underscores the growing confidence in Delta’s economic prospects.
“Our sister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will deliver the keynote address. Engr. Austin Avuru will chair the summit. The Minister of Finance has personally confirmed his attendance, and the Vice President has also indicated he will be present.
“This will be a star-studded gathering with participants from across government, development finance institutions and the private sector,” Emu said.
The SSG noted that every foreign investor expressing interest in Delta had emphasised the importance of working with local partners, creating opportunities for indigenous businesses to participate directly in emerging investment projects.
He stressed that the success of the summit would depend largely on collaboration among stakeholders and the willingness of residents and business leaders to embrace the opportunities it presents.
Unlike conventional investment conferences, Emu said Delta State would be presenting clearly defined and bankable investment opportunities rather than broad promotional pitches.
He identified agriculture, aquaculture, power, oil and gas, solid minerals, manufacturing and the blue economy as priority sectors with strong potential for investment and long-term growth.
According to him, Delta’s competitive advantages include its youthful population, vast land and water resources, abundant oil and gas deposits, expanding infrastructure and a growing network of universities, technical institutions and vocational centres.
“We are one of Nigeria’s strongest subnational economies with enormous consumption potential. Our land and waterways give us a unique advantage, especially in the marine and blue economy sectors,” he said.
Emu highlighted agriculture as a key growth driver, noting that the state is seeking investments across entire value chains, particularly in cassava, rice and other agro-based industries.
He also described aquaculture as one of Delta’s most promising but underdeveloped sectors, citing the need for investments in fish feed production, cold storage facilities and processing plants to unlock its full potential.
“Fish feed remains one of the biggest challenges for fish farmers. If we address that and provide adequate storage and processing facilities, Delta can become a major fish production hub,” he said.
On solid minerals, Emu identified kaolin, coal, silica, clay and lignite as commercially viable resources already attracting business interest and investment activities.
He further described the power sector as a major investment frontier, pointing to Delta’s rich gas reserves and strategic location as critical advantages for industrial growth.
The state government, he said, is exploring decentralised energy solutions, particularly mini-grids and captive power systems, to provide reliable electricity for industries and commercial centres.
“The national grid remains a challenge. Our focus is on mini-grid solutions that can deliver stable power to industrial clusters and urban centres. With our gas resources and strategic position, Delta has what it takes to offer competitive energy for businesses,” Emu stated.
Beyond discussions and presentations, the summit will feature sector-specific engagements, investment matchmaking sessions, project site visits and structured follow-up mechanisms designed to convert investor interest into tangible projects.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, urged indigenous entrepreneurs to see themselves as potential investors and strategic partners rather than mere attendees.
While acknowledging the financial strength of foreign investors, Aniagwu said local business leaders possess a deeper commitment to the state’s development and should leverage partnerships to participate in large-scale projects.
“Three or four people can come together to undertake projects that may be difficult to finance individually. This summit should not only be about attending sessions but also about identifying opportunities to participate and invest,” he said.
Representing the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Janet Olisa assured the state government of the organised private sector’s support, expressing confidence that strong public-private collaboration would help deliver meaningful outcomes from the summit.
The Delta State Investment and Economic Summit is expected to position the state as a leading destination for investment by showcasing its economic strengths and creating pathways for sustainable growth, job creation and industrial development.
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