The Delta State Government has pledged $100m in Viability Gap Funding to reduce investment risks and attract local and international investors to the state.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori disclosed this at the 6th African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference 2026 in Calabar, Cross River State, where he outlined investment opportunities in the state’s industrial, maritime, energy and agricultural sectors.
The governor, who was represented by the Chairman of the Delta State Investment Development Agency, Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru, said the fund was part of measures to make investments in the state more attractive to private investors.
He recalled that the $100m initial commitment was made at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in August 2026 to reduce risks associated with prospective investments.
Oborevwori said the state had identified several bankable projects, including a ceramics raw materials plant requiring €50m and a proposed glass manufacturing facility estimated to cost between $50m and $200m, depending on its scale.
He disclosed that preliminary studies had been completed on the projects, adding that the ceramics project was progressing towards take-off. At the same time, a leading German glass manufacturer had expressed interest in the proposed glass factory.
The governor also cited the acquisition of 100 hectares of land by multinational agribusiness company, Olam, for a proposed $70m agro-processing facility as evidence of growing investor interest in Delta.
Speaking on the state’s maritime potential, Oborevwori identified the proposed Burutu Seaport as a major investment opportunity, noting that its location provides access to inland waterways linking Onitsha, Lokoja and other commercial centres.
He said the port secured a 40-year concession in 2023, adding that the second phase of the project was designed to accommodate a depth requirement of 41 metres.
According to him, the project has also received approvals from the Federal Executive Council and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission.
The governor listed Warri, Sapele, and Koko ports, along with several jetties, as other maritime assets with investment opportunities in shipbuilding and related businesses.
However, he identified the silting of waterways as a major challenge to maritime development, calling on the African Export-Import Bank and other development finance institutions to support dredging projects to improve navigation and commercial activities.
Giving an overview of the state’s economy, Oborevwori said Delta had an estimated population of 6.7 million, a gross domestic product of about $1.7bn and a 2026 budget of approximately N1.72tn.
On electricity, he said power plants in Sapele, Ughelli and Okpai had a combined installed generation capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.
He added that his administration was addressing transmission and distribution challenges through legal and administrative reforms while encouraging private-sector investment in electricity infrastructure.
The governor also identified gas-based industries, including liquefied natural gas and compressed natural gas projects, as areas with investment potential.
He said the government had established a one-stop-shop investment arrangement and introduced incentives to simplify business processes and reduce the cost of doing business.
Oborevwori said, “Delta State has the natural resources, strategic location, infrastructure and investment opportunities to support profitable businesses. We are inviting local and international investors to partner with us.
“Our message is simple: Delta State is ready for business.”
The AfSNET conference, which was held from November 12 to 14, had the theme, ‘The Role of Sovereigns in Catalysing Development through Trade and Investments.’
Members of the Delta delegation included the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr Barry Gbe; Director-General of DIDA, Hon Anthony Elekeokwuri; Special Adviser on Finance, Investment and International Development, Barr. George Orogun; and Executive Assistant to the Governor on Media, Dr Nelson Egware.
