The Delta State Government’s drive to attract foreign direct investment received a significant boost on Wednesday as investors from Brazil, Malaysia and the United States signalled strong interest in investing in the state’s agriculture, energy and industrial sectors.
The commitment followed an inspection tour of key investment sites organised as part of the ongoing Delta State Economic and Investment Summit.
The foreign delegation visited the Kwale Special Economic Zone, where they toured the Kwale Gas Gathering Hub and Phoenix Company. They also inspected Skyward Resources Group in Oleh and Uzezi Farms in Oyede, describing the state’s investment climate as attractive and expressing readiness to explore strategic partnerships.
Leader of the Brazilian agribusiness delegation, Roberto Fonseca, said the Kwale Special Economic Zone was a well-planned initiative capable of attracting global investors and accelerating industrial development in Nigeria.
According to him, the Brazilian delegation had monitored progress at the economic zone for some time before deciding to visit and was now considering investments in gas-fired power generation and cassava processing through a joint venture arrangement.
“We believe the Delta State Government has taken a wise decision with the Kwale Special Economic Zone. We are looking at opportunities in natural gas power generation and cassava processing, and we hope to establish a long-term partnership here,” Fonseca said.
He also commended the facilities at Skyward Resources Group and Uzezi Farms, describing them as evidence of Nigeria’s growing agricultural potential. Fonseca added that Brazil was willing to support Delta State with investments in ranching, beef processing, technology transfer and modern agricultural practices to strengthen food security.
Also speaking, Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Aiyub Omar, disclosed that Malaysia was exploring investment opportunities in Delta’s agricultural sector, particularly oil palm cultivation.
He said discussions had already commenced with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on possible collaboration to expand the state’s oil palm industry, adding that Malaysian agribusiness firms with extensive plantation management experience were ready to partner the state.
Founder of Agrinexus, Dr. Shermal Perera, revealed that the organisation was already working with local partners in Delta State and had brought an American investor to assess business opportunities.
According to him, Agrinexus serves as the technical partner to JB Farms, one of Nigeria’s leading oil palm companies, while also supporting DELCOM on a proposed smallholder oil palm development programme.
Leading the inspection tour, Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, said the visits were deliberately incorporated into the summit to give prospective investors first-hand experience of the state’s investment potential.
He stressed that the Oborevwori administration was committed to creating a conducive environment for investment, assuring investors that Delta offers security, thriving indigenous businesses and opportunities for profitable partnerships.
“What we seek is partnership, technology and expertise. We want investors to see beyond presentations and witness existing businesses that are ready to scale. Delta means business, and we are committed to ensuring that investments in the state are safe and profitable,” Onyeme said.
Managing Director of Skyward Resources Group, Chief Eta Enahoro, said the company’s agricultural operations had benefited from Brazilian technical expertise, with its greenhouse facilities, poultry operations and feed mill developed using Brazilian technology.
He disclosed that the company currently operates 42 greenhouse units and a poultry facility with a capacity of more than 30,000 birds, while inviting foreign investors to partner in expanding its operations.If you’re targeting maximum online engagement, an alternative headline is: “Brazil, Malaysia, US Investors Target Delta as Oborevwori’s Investment Drive Gains Global Attention.”
