The Delta State Government has intensified efforts to attract foreign direct investment, with prospective investors from Brazil, Malaysia and the United States indicating interest in opportunities across the agriculture, energy and industrial sectors.
The interest was expressed on Wednesday after the foreign delegation toured strategic investment locations in the state during activities marking the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Festus Ahon, the investors visited the Kwale Special Economic Zone, where they inspected the Kwale Gas Gathering Hub as well as Phoenix Company.
The delegation also visited Skyward Resources Group in Oleh and Uzezi Farms in Oyede. After the inspection, the investors praised the state’s investment climate and signalled readiness to pursue long-term business collaborations.
Speaking on behalf of the Brazilian agribusiness delegation, Roberto Fonseca described the Kwale Special Economic Zone as a strategic project with the capacity to attract international investors and stimulate industrial development.
“We have been studying the Kwale Special Economic Zone with great interest because we believe it is a very wise decision by the Delta State Government,” Fonseca said.
“We are planning investments in natural gas power generation and cassava processing, and I believe the Brazilian flag will soon stand alongside the Nigerian flag here in a fruitful partnership,” he added.
Fonseca further stated that Brazil was prepared to assist Nigeria in strengthening its agricultural sector through technology transfer, innovation and investments in ranching and beef processing.
“Food security remains one of Nigeria’s biggest challenges, and Brazil is ready to contribute by bringing technology, expertise and investment. We are committed to partnering Nigeria to build a stronger agricultural sector,” he stated.
Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Aiyub Omar, also revealed that his country was assessing investment prospects in Delta State, particularly in the oil palm industry.
He explained that Malaysian agribusiness companies with extensive experience in managing large-scale plantations were eager to work with the state to unlock its agricultural potential.
Founder of Agrinexus, Dr Shermal Perera, said the organisation had already established partnerships with Nigerian stakeholders and was considering additional investments within Delta State.
During the tour, Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, said the state intentionally complemented investment discussions with visits to operational businesses to showcase its preparedness for foreign investment.
“What we are looking for is partnership, technology and expertise. We want investors to see that Delta means business,” Onyeme said.
“We want you to have confidence that your investments will be safe in Delta State,” he added.
Managing Director of Skyward Resources Group, Chief Eta Enahoro, noted that his agricultural business had already benefited from Brazilian technical expertise and welcomed more collaborative partnerships to expand its operations.
