Delta Woos Foreign Investors in Agriculture, Energy Sectors

The Delta State Government’s drive to attract foreign direct investment received a boost on Wednesday as investors from Brazil, Malaysia and the United States expressed interest in partnering with the state in agriculture, energy and industrial sectors.

The investors made their intentions known after inspecting key investment sites across the state as part of activities at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Festus Ahon, the delegation visited the Kwale Special Economic Zone, where they toured the Kwale Gas Gathering Hub and Phoenix Company.

The team also inspected facilities at Skyward Resources Group in Oleh and Uzezi Farms in Oyede, where they commended the state’s investment environment and pledged to explore strategic partnerships.

Leader of the Brazilian agribusiness delegation, Roberto Fonseca, described the Kwale Special Economic Zone as a well-planned initiative capable of attracting global investors and promoting industrial growth.

“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 also said Brazil was ready to support Nigeria’s agricultural development through technology transfer, innovation and investment in areas such as 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.

Also speaking, Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Aiyub Omar, said Malaysia was exploring investment opportunities in Delta State, particularly in oil palm development.

Omar noted that Malaysian agribusiness firms with experience in large-scale plantation management were interested in collaborating with the state to expand its agricultural potential.

Founder of Agrinexus, Dr Shermal Perera, disclosed that his organisation was already working with Nigerian partners and exploring additional investment opportunities in Delta.

Speaking during the inspection tour, Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, said the state deliberately combined investment discussions with visits to existing businesses to demonstrate its readiness for foreign partnerships.

“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, said his agricultural enterprise had benefited from Brazilian technical support and was open to further partnerships to expand its operations.