*Says State For Business
THE Delta State Government has unveiled a $100million (about N13 billion) Viability Gap Fund as part of its efforts to de-risk strategic investments and accelerate economic growth.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who disclosed this in Asaba on Monday, August 3, in his keynote address at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026, themed, ‘Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potentials,” said the state was open for business, as his administration intensifies efforts to position it as Nigeria’s foremost investment destination.
Oborevwori described the fund as a landmark initiative designed to give investors greater confidence by reducing investment risks and ensuring that commitments made during the Summit translate into bankable projects, industrial expansion and job creation.
He stated: “I am pleased to announce that the Delta State Government has set aside $100million, approximately N133billion, as a Viability Gap Fund to de-risk new investments in the state.
“This is a practical demonstration of our total commitment to ensuring that the agreements reached at this Summit translate into real projects and measurable economic impact.”
Oborevwori assured local and foreign investors of his government’s sound financial health, stressing that despite executing massive infrastructure projects across the state, his administration has not borrowed from commercial banks, and has no intention of doing so, underscoring its commitment to fiscal discipline, prudent financial management, transparency and accountability.
The governor said the state’s fiscal discipline, transparent governance and predictable policies have created a stable investment climate capable of delivering long-term returns for businesses.
He stated that to further improve the ease of doing business, the government has established the Delta State Ease of Doing Business Council and introduced incentives, including waivers on selected tenement rates, levies, fees and other statutory charges, for up to five years after commencement of operations.
He underscored the state’s competitive advantages in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, logistics and the marine economy; hence one of Nigeria’s most promising investment destinations.
Oborevwori noted that the Delta’s agro-industrial strategy offer lucrative opportunities in cassava, oil palm, rice, potato and other agricultural value chains, while its over 300-kilometre coastline offers significant prospects in marine transport, fisheries, tourism and the blue economy.
He also pointed to the state’s abundant natural gas reserves and renewable energy potentials, urging investors to explore opportunities in gas-fired power plants, solar farms, mini-grids, biomass, waste-to-energy projects, rural electrification and renewable energy manufacturing.
The governor assured the safety of such investments, as his administration continues to strengthen the state’s security architecture to provide a safe and conducive environment for businesses and residents.
He stated that the Summit, which brought together government officials, investors, development partners, captains of industry and business leaders, was aimed at connecting innovative ideas with investment capital, foster strategic partnerships and unlock the state’s vast economic potential as part of efforts to build a diversified, resilient and globally competitive economy.
