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Port Harcourt – Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has urged local and foreign investors to take advantage of the improved peace and business environment in the Niger Delta, declaring that the region is now safe and conducive for investment.
Ogbuku made the call at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, where he said the Niger Delta, despite its vast natural resources, was now better positioned to attract public and private investments following improved security and economic reforms.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the NDDC Managing Director credited the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu for creating a more peaceful and investment-friendly environment across the region.
He commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for convening the summit, describing it as a strategic platform to showcase the state’s economic potential and attract investors to both Delta State and the Niger Delta.
Ogbuku also lauded the governor for the infrastructure projects executed by his administration, noting that they had enhanced the state’s appeal as an investment destination.
Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, who declared the summit open, said Nigeria’s economic fortunes had improved under President Tinubu, citing a significant rise in the country’s foreign reserves.
He stated: “From reserves of three billion dollars ($3b), when we were experiencing capital flight and capital scarcity, now we are experiencing the capital influx that our foreign reserves have gone up to fifty-two billion ($52b) and counting in a turbulent world. I think the President deserves commendation.”
The Vice President described Delta as a state blessed with abundant human and natural resources, saying it possessed all the attributes of a leading investment destination.
He said: “The purpose of the summit is the call to harness our strength and unlock our potentials.
“It is a timely awakening because potential has no economic value unless it is organized, financed and put to work.”
In his address, Governor Oborevwori said the summit underscored his administration’s commitment to repositioning Delta State as a competitive investment destination rather than serving as a mere forum for speeches.
He stated: “It showcases our vision and strong will to reposition the state’s economy and enhance its competitiveness in business.”
The governor assured investors of a secure business environment, stressing that his administration was pursuing economic diversification to reduce the state’s dependence on oil revenue.
He added: “This government has prioritised sound public financial management anchored on careful budgeting, physical discipline, judicious allocation of resources, transparency and accountability, matched with excellent service delivery.”
Oborevwori further declared: “Despite the huge investment in improving public infrastructure, we have not borrowed a kobo from any bank, and we do not intend to borrow.”
Delivering the keynote address, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said Delta State had the potential to become Nigeria’s fourth industrial hub if it effectively harnessed its human capital and embraced emerging technologies.
She urged the state government to leverage digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence to strengthen its competitiveness, noting that global trade was increasingly technology-driven.
Okonjo-Iweala stressed that abundant natural resources alone would not guarantee development, calling for improved project execution, better maintenance culture, efficient ports, enhanced digital infrastructure and lower trade costs.
According to her, “We need a better maintenance culture, we need better Ports and digital infrastructure, and lower trade costs. Execution is what matters, and successful execution requires focus and privatisation.”
