Delta Investment Summit: Elumelu, Mosra Energy Advocate Deeper Public-Private Partnerships

0

Business leaders, including Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mosra Energy, Ramos Olukayode, have called for stronger public-private partnerships in the power and mining sectors to unlock Delta State’s industrial potential, stressing that reliable electricity and investor confidence remain indispensable to sustainable economic growth.

Speaking at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, Elumelu applauded Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as visionary leadership, saying the administration’s sustained investments in roads, housing and critical infrastructure have enhanced the state’s attractiveness to investors.

He assured prospective investors that Delta remains peaceful, secure and conducive for business, while expressing pride in the state’s rapid transformation.

“Every time I see new roads, modern estates and other development projects, I ask myself, ‘Where is this?’ I am always delighted to discover that it is right here in Delta State. It makes me immensely proud to be a son of Delta,” he said.

Elumelu emphasised that dependable electricity is the bedrock of industrialisation, noting that although Delta State has an installed generation capacity of about 1,000 megawatts in Warri, only about 500 megawatts are currently being utilised because of gas supply and transmission challenges.

He expressed the readiness of Heirs Holdings to collaborate with the Delta State Government to expand electricity generation and distribution, with the goal of delivering affordable and reliable power to homes, businesses and industries across the state.

“We would welcome the opportunity to engage with your administration on how we can partner with the Delta State Government to expand electricity generation and distribution, ensuring that affordable and reliable power reaches every home, business and industry across the state,” Elumelu said.

Also speaking at the summit, Olukayode said long-term investment decisions are driven by clear vision, policy stability, strategic partnerships and a predictable business environment, adding that Delta State possesses the critical ingredients required to attract and sustain large-scale investments.

He highlighted the state’s more than 200 million tonnes of proven coal reserves located in Ogboyoga, Ubogo, Ukwuani and Ogwashi-Uku, noting that ongoing mining operations have already positioned Delta as a significant supplier of coal to Nigeria’s cement industry.

According to him, Mosra Energy’s partnership with the Delta State Government on the proposed 600-megawatt Mambilla Power Plant in Ogboyoga, alongside plans to establish an Energy and Industrial Special Economic Zone in Aniocha, demonstrates the transformative potential of collaboration between government and the private sector.

Olukayode said the state’s vast coal deposits are capable of supporting more than 30 years of reliable baseload electricity, providing the energy required to drive manufacturing, technology, mineral processing and agro-processing industries.

“We are not merely generating electricity; under the MORE Agenda, we are laying the foundation for what can become West Africa’s next industrial powerhouse,” he said.

He urged investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in Delta State before they become widely recognised. “The best time to invest is before everyone else discovers the opportunity. That time is now,” he said.

The submissions by both business leaders echoed the central objective of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026, which is to attract strategic investments, strengthen critical infrastructure and accelerate the state’s economic transformation through effective collaboration between the government and the private sector.