Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has called on members of the organised private sector to move beyond participating in discussions at the forthcoming Delta State Investment and Economic Summit and take the lead in investing in the state’s economy.
Aniagwu made the call in Asaba during an interactive session between the Main Organising Committee of the summit and representatives of the organised private sector ahead of the three-day event scheduled to hold from August 3 to 5.
He stressed that while the state government was expecting foreign investors with substantial capital, indigenous businesses remained central to the success of the investment drive because of their long-term commitment to Delta State’s growth and development.
According to him, the summit should produce tangible investments, strategic partnerships and job-creating enterprises rather than ending with speeches, presentations and panel discussions.
“We are expecting some investors from outside the shores of Nigeria. They may have the big money, but you most likely have the greatest commitment because, somehow, whatever happens here affects you directly,” Aniagwu said.
He encouraged local entrepreneurs to collaborate through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), noting that pooling financial resources and expertise would enable them to undertake large-scale investment projects that might be beyond the capacity of individual businesses.
“Even when you do not have all the funds, you can decide to come together through Special Purpose Vehicles. Two or three individuals or companies can pool resources and pursue investment opportunities collectively,” he added.
Aniagwu urged indigenous investors to explore opportunities in agriculture, oil and gas, and other sectors where Delta State has strong comparative advantages.
“Whether it is in agriculture or oil and gas, by the time three or four of you come together, an investment that may be difficult for one person or one company becomes much easier to undertake,” he said.
He challenged members of the organised private sector to think beyond their roles as participants at the summit and position themselves as active investors.
“We hope you will look beyond preparing your positions for the summit to also think about how you are going to participate after the summit. It is not just about the papers you will present or the sessions you will attend. The bigger question is: how will you get involved?” he said.
The commissioner warned against allowing foreign investors to dominate emerging opportunities after the summit, insisting that local businesses remain the state’s greatest asset in driving sustainable economic transformation.
“We do not want a situation where, after the summit, you simply return to business as usual while only a few foreign investors take advantage of the opportunities. You are our greatest strength in the sectors we have identified,” Aniagwu stated.
He also said the state government was looking forward to practical recommendations from the organised private sector on ways to improve the business environment and strengthen indigenous participation in the economy.
According to him, the engagement would help government identify measures needed to better integrate local businesses into Delta State’s investment and economic development agenda.
Aniagwu expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector would unlock the state’s economic potential, attract sustainable investments, create jobs and expand business opportunities.
He urged entrepreneurs, corporate organisations and business associations to leverage the investment summit to forge strategic partnerships, establish investment consortia and position themselves to benefit from Delta State’s growing economic opportunities.
