Asaba, May 20, 2025 – The Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sonny Ekedayen, has announced that Delta has become Nigeria’s 5th largest economy, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $15.3 billion (N6.1 trillion) as of December 2024.
Ekedayen made this known through his Special Assistant, Charles Iyoha, who represented him during a media seminar held in Asaba on Wednesday. The seminar, themed “Impact of Adequate Reporting of the M.O.R.E Agenda to the Grassroots”, was organized by the Press Unit at Government House for community newspaper publishers.
According to the commissioner, “It is a great pleasure to address you at this important seminar. The theme resonates deeply with our goal to use the power of community media to showcase Delta State’s vast economic potential, cultural heritage, and transformative growth.”
Ekedayen, through his SA, emphasized that Delta’s rise to become the 5th largest economy in Nigeria is no accident but the result of intentional planning and the successful implementation of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda.
He explained that oil and gas remain key, contributing 48.7% of the state’s GDP, but highlighted that the services, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors are expanding rapidly, making Delta a growing hub for investment.
“The services sector, including tourism, entertainment, and education, is booming. Asaba has emerged as a hub for Nollywood, and our 13 universities attract thousands of students, boosting local businesses,” he stated.
The commissioner also shared that internally generated revenue (IGR) in the state grew by 90%, jumping from N83 billion in January 2023 to N158 billion in December 2024—without raising taxes.
“We have also managed to reduce our debt by 46.6%, from N465.3 billion to N249.2 billion, thanks to smart fiscal policies. This opens more space for strategic investment,” he said.
Ekedeyan noted key economic initiatives including the revival of the Kwale/Koko Free Trade Zone, and the N1.0 billion DTSG/BOI fund initiative, which provides low-interest loans to support young entrepreneurs.
In agriculture, he said the state is pushing forward with dry-season farming through public-private partnerships, while also leading in sustainability through a carbon credits initiative that conserves 207 hectares of mangroves, attracting green investments.
On social development, he mentioned programs like Delta Cares and the Women Empowerment Skills Acquisition Program (WESAP), aimed at supporting vulnerable groups and promoting inclusive growth.
The commissioner called on community newspapers to help tell Delta’s development story. “Your platforms are vital in promoting our investment-ready environment, rich culture, and economic progress. We urge you to partner with us in showing the world what Delta has to offer.”
The event ended with community publishers expressing support for amplifying the government’s efforts and sharing Delta’s success stories across the grassroots.
