Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has pitched the state’s vast blue economy potential to investors, declaring Delta “open and ready” for strategic partnerships at the Blue Economy Investment Summit 2026 in Abuja.
The Investment Summit 2026 themed “Shifting Gears: Heading to a New Frontier in Maritime Economy,” held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre on Thursday.
Represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Governor Oborevwori noted that the blue economy has become a top policy priority globally, as nations strive to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
He commended the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a bold step towards harnessing Nigeria’s maritime resources for job creation and economic growth.
He said Delta State has already developed a comprehensive roadmap to drive its blue economy agenda, leveraging its strategic location in the Niger Delta with a coastline stretching approximately 163 kilometres.
The governor highlighted the state’s rich ecological assets, including mangrove forests, wetlands, and major rivers such as the Niger, Benin, and Escravos, which empty into the Atlantic Ocean.
According to him, 14 out of the state’s 25 local government areas are directly linked to the blue economy due to their proximity to waterways, presenting enormous opportunities in sectors such as aquaculture, marine transport, offshore energy, tourism, and logistics.
Oborevwori disclosed that the state government has established two key committees, the Blue Economy Steering Committee and the Technical Working Committee, to coordinate policies and drive implementation.
He explained that the initiative aims to create a unified platform for investors, streamline policies, and promote sustainable resource management.
“We are ready to welcome investors and partners. Delta State is safe for investment, and we are committed to providing the necessary institutional support and conducive business environment,” he said.
The governor also revealed that the state is seeking investments in critical areas including marine tourism infrastructure, port development, renewable energy, fisheries, real estate, and environmental services.
He noted that existing ports such as Burutu and Warri require infrastructure upgrades and private sector participation to operate at optimal capacity.
On human capital development, he said the state plans to collaborate with the Nigerian Maritime University and other institutions to build capacity and drive innovation in the sector.
He further emphasized the importance of maritime security, noting that Delta State would continue to partner with the Nigerian Navy and other agencies to safeguard waterways and investments.
In his remarks, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, described the global blue economy as a multi-trillion-dollar sector critical to trade, employment, and innovation.
He said Nigeria is strategically positioned to benefit, given that over 90 percent of its international trade is conducted through maritime channels.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Maritime Innovation Hub, Ronke Kosoko, traced her journey into the maritime sector to her undergraduate days at the University of Lagos.
She explained that her early efforts to connect students with industry professionals and her exposure to maritime-focused discussions played a pivotal role in shaping her career.
