ASABA — Agriculture, mining, energy, livestock and the blue economy emerged as some of the biggest investment opportunities in Delta State on Tuesday as government officials and industry experts called for greater private sector participation to reduce the state’s dependence on oil.
The sectors took centre stage on the second day of the 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba, where local and foreign investors explored opportunities capable of creating jobs and boosting economic growth.
Closing the day’s session, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, said the discussions had reinforced the need for the state to diversify its economy by attracting investments into sectors with strong growth potential.
“We can no longer depend on one source of revenue. We must diversify our economy by attracting strategic investments into sectors where Delta State has a clear comparative advantage. That is the pathway to creating jobs, growing businesses and improving the quality of life of our people,” the governor said.
He described the summit as a private sector-driven initiative designed to connect investors with viable business opportunities rather than serve as a routine government event.
According to him, the state government has continued to improve infrastructure, strengthen security and create policies that encourage investment, while also securing land for major projects and promoting Delta’s investment opportunities in countries such as Brazil and China.
The governor expressed confidence that partnerships initiated during the summit would translate into new industries, increased economic activities and employment opportunities for residents.
During separate panel discussions, stakeholders identified agriculture and livestock production as sectors capable of generating thousands of jobs if properly developed.
A former South-South Vice-President of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Chief Eta Enahoro, urged the state government to invest more in poultry and fish production, saying many unemployed youths could build successful businesses in the sector with the right support.
“Many young people looking for political appointments can become successful entrepreneurs if they are supported to establish poultry and fish farms,” Enahoro said.
Also speaking, Brazilian agribusiness investor, Roberto Fonseca, announced plans to partner the Delta State Government to develop a modern cattle and beef value chain.
He said the partnership would include cattle breeding, ranching, abattoirs, beef processing plants, cold storage facilities and distribution networks.
Fonseca noted that Delta possesses favourable climatic conditions similar to those that helped transform Brazil into one of the world’s largest beef-producing countries.
“Delta has the natural conditions to become a major livestock production hub serving Nigeria and neighbouring African countries,” he said.
Speaking during the blue economy session, development expert Dr Uche Igwe called for stronger measures to tackle illegal and unregulated fishing, stressing that the state’s rivers and coastline hold enormous economic potential.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Mosra Energy, Olukayode Ramos, disclosed that Delta has over 200 million tonnes of coal deposits in Obomkpa, Ugbodu and Ukunzu, describing the reserves as a strategic resource for industrial development.
He revealed plans by the company to establish a 600-megawatt power plant in Obomkpa, adding that more than 200 hectares of land had already been secured for the project.
Ramos also said the area has abundant kaolin and clay deposits that could support manufacturing and other industrial activities, urging investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in the state.
