Asaba, Delta State – The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has called on local and international investors to take advantage of the improved security and economic opportunities in the Niger Delta, declaring that the region is now peaceful, conducive and ready for investment.
A press statement signed by Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDC’s Director, Corporate Affairs on August 4, 2026 said Ogbuku made the appeal during the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, where he described the oil-rich region as richly endowed with abundant resources and vast investment potential.
According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration has significantly improved the security and business environment in the Niger Delta, making it an attractive destination for public and private sector investments.
“The Niger Delta is now conducive and safe for investment. We invite investors to explore the enormous opportunities available across the region,” Ogbuku said.
The NDDC boss commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for organising the summit, describing it as a strategic platform that would attract investors to Delta State and the wider Niger Delta region.
He also congratulated the governor on his administration’s achievements in infrastructure development, noting that improved infrastructure was critical to economic growth and investor confidence.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who addressed the summit, said the country’s economic fortunes had improved under President Tinubu’s administration, insisting that the President deserved commendation for stabilising the economy.
He noted that Nigeria’s foreign reserves had risen from about $3 billion during a period of capital flight and foreign exchange scarcity to $52 billion, reflecting renewed investor confidence despite global economic challenges.
Shettima described Delta State as one of Nigeria’s most promising investment destinations, citing its educated and enterprising population.
“The purpose of the summit is to harness our strengths and unlock our potential. Potential has no economic value unless it is organised, financed and put to work,” the Vice President said.
Governor Oborevwori said the investment summit was designed to showcase Delta State’s economic vision and commitment to creating a competitive business environment.
He assured prospective investors that the state was secure and open for business, while stressing that his administration was pursuing economic diversification to reduce dependence on oil revenue.
The governor said his administration had maintained prudent financial management through disciplined budgeting, transparency and accountability, while delivering key infrastructure projects without borrowing from commercial banks.
“Despite the huge investment in improving public infrastructure, we have not borrowed a kobo from any bank, and we do not intend to borrow,” he stated.
Delivering the keynote address, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said Delta State had the potential to emerge as Nigeria’s fourth industrial hub if it effectively harnessed its human capital and embraced digital transformation.
She urged the state government to leverage advances in digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, noting that global trade was increasingly becoming technology-driven.
Okonjo-Iweala also stressed that natural resource endowment alone was insufficient to drive development, calling for improved maintenance culture, better ports, enhanced digital infrastructure, lower trade costs and stronger execution of development policies.
“Execution is what matters, and successful execution requires focus and privatisation,” she said.
The summit brought together top government officials, business leaders and development stakeholders to explore strategies for accelerating investment, economic diversification and sustainable growth in Delta State and the Niger Delta region.
