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Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged local and foreign investors to take advantage of Nigeria’s improving economic outlook, stressing that now is the best time to invest before opportunities become more expensive.
Speaking at the opening of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, Shettima said the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration had restored investor confidence, strengthened macroeconomic stability, and created an enabling environment for long-term investments.
“These are proof that Nigeria is regaining credibility, and the best time to invest is now before the opportunity becomes expensive,” the Vice President declared, citing recent upgrades by Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings, and Moody’s as evidence of growing international confidence in the Nigerian economy.
Shettima noted that every state in Nigeria possesses unique strengths capable of driving economic growth and should compete to attract investments that create jobs and improve livelihoods.
“Every state possesses immense promise with its unique history, geography, people and comparative advantage. This is the race we must welcome, a race in which states compete to create employment, prosperity and human dignity,” he said.
He described Delta State as a “first-order investment destination,” highlighting its strategic coastline, ports, natural gas reserves, refining assets, vast agricultural potential, blue economy opportunities, and rich deposits of solid minerals as key attractions for investors.
The Vice President also pointed out that recent fiscal reforms have increased allocations to state governments, enabling them to undertake ambitious development projects.
Shettima commended Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for organising the summit and assured investors that the Federal Government would continue working with state governments to remove barriers to enterprise and support credible investments.
“We are co-travellers on the road from promise to production, from allocation to transformation, and from potential to prosperity,” he added.
The summit brought together key stakeholders, including World Trade Organisation Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Minister of Finance Dr Taiwo Oyedele, and leading private sector figures.