Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has declared that the state can no longer rely solely on oil revenue and must urgently diversify its economy through strategic investments in non-oil sectors.
The Governor made the statement while speaking on the second day of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba.
Oborevwori noted that while oil has made Delta proud as a major producing state, dependence on a single resource is no longer sustainable. He called for deliberate efforts to unlock opportunities in agriculture, energy, the blue economy, solid minerals, digital innovation, transport infrastructure, and other viable sectors.
“Delta State is peaceful for investment. We cannot depend on oil alone. Oil has made us proud as a state, but we need to diversify,” the Governor said.
He described the summit as a private sector-driven platform designed to connect investors with bankable opportunities in the state. Oborevwori restated his administration’s commitment to providing critical infrastructure, ensuring security, maintaining policy consistency, and building strategic partnerships to attract and retain investments.
The Governor revealed that the state has already secured land for investors and expressed confidence that the partnerships and commitments emerging from the summit will drive industrialisation, create jobs, and strengthen Delta’s position as a leading investment destination in Nigeria.
As part of efforts to de-risk investments, the Delta State Government has earmarked $100 million (approximately ₦173 billion) as viability gap funding to support real investments in the state. Over 12,000 hectares of land have also been secured for agricultural and industrial projects, including the cultivation of cassava, oil palm, rice, and fisheries.
Oborevwori’s remarks align with his administration’s MORE Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification, industrial growth, and sustainable development beyond oil and gas.