Foreign investors from Brazil, Malaysia and the United States have indicated interest in investing in Delta State after touring major industrial and agricultural projects during the ongoing Delta State Economic and Investment Summit.
The investors visited the Kwale Special Economic Zone, the Kwale Gas Gathering Hub, Phoenix Company, Skyward Resources Group in Oleh and Uzezi Farms in Oyede, where they assessed investment opportunities in agriculture, energy and manufacturing.
Leader of the Brazilian agribusiness delegation, Roberto Fonseca, said the visit strengthened the group’s confidence in Delta State as an investment destination.
He described the Kwale Special Economic Zone as a well-planned project that could attract international businesses and support Nigeria’s industrial growth.
According to Fonseca, the Brazilian delegation is considering investing in a gas-fired power plant and a cassava processing factory through a joint venture.
“We have been studying the Kwale Special Economic Zone for some time, and we believe the Delta State Government made the right decision in establishing it. We are looking at opportunities in natural gas power generation and cassava processing, and we hope to begin a fruitful partnership here,” he said.
Fonseca also praised the facilities at Skyward Resources Group and Uzezi Farms, saying they demonstrated that Nigeria has the capacity to boost food production.
He said Brazil was willing to partner Nigeria in ranching, beef processing and agricultural technology to improve food security.
“Food security is one of Nigeria’s biggest challenges, and Brazil is ready to support with technology, expertise and investment,” he added.
The Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Aiyub Omar, also expressed interest in Delta’s agricultural sector, particularly oil palm development.
He said he attended the summit with representatives of Malaysian agribusiness companies experienced in large-scale oil palm plantations and had already begun discussions with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on possible collaboration.
Founder of Agrinexus, Dr. Shermal Perera, said his organisation was already working with partners in Delta State and had brought an American investor to explore business opportunities in the state.
He explained that Agrinexus is supporting JB Farms and working with DELCOM on a proposed smallholder oil palm development programme.
Leading the investors on the inspection tour, Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, said the visits were organised to show that Delta offers more than investment proposals.
He said the state wanted investors to see successful businesses already operating in Delta and identify opportunities for partnerships and expansion.
“What we are looking for is partnership, technology and expertise. We want investors to see that Delta is ready for business and that their investments will be safe,” Onyeme said.
Managing Director of Skyward Resources Group, Chief Eta Enahoro, said his company had benefited from Brazilian technical support in developing its greenhouse farms, poultry operations and feed mill.
He disclosed that the company currently operates 42 greenhouse units and a poultry farm with more than 30,000 birds, while inviting foreign investors to partner with the business to expand its operations.
