Shettima Urges Investors to Capitalize on Nigeria’s Economic Reforms at Delta Summit

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged both local and international investors to leverage Nigeria’s improving macroeconomic environment, asserting that now presents the most opportune moment to invest before high demand increases the cost of entry.

Speaking on Monday at the opening of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, Shettima stated that policy reforms initiated by the federal government have restored investor confidence and stabilized key economic indicators. He noted that recent credit rating upgrades from agencies like Fitch, S&P Global, and Moody’s reflect growing international trust in the country’s economic trajectory.

Describing Delta State as a primary investment destination, the Vice President highlighted its strategic coastline, natural gas reserves, agricultural land, and mineral deposits as vital assets for economic diversification beyond crude oil.

To spur commercial activity, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori announced the commitment of $100 million in Viability Gap Funding designed to de-risk private sector projects. The governor outlined several state incentives, including tax waivers for up to five years, the establishment of an Ease of Doing Business Council, and the allocation of 12,000 hectares for commercial agriculture.

In her keynote address, World Trade Organization Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala encouraged the state to position itself as a regional industrial hub by focusing on agro-processing, the blue economy, digital infrastructure, and value-addition in the energy sector.

The summit also featured contributions from key business leaders and government officials. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Transcorp Power Holdings, expressed readiness to expand power generation across the state, while UTM Gas Limited CEO Julius Rone highlighted that Delta State’s initial ₦42 billion equity investment in the company in 2022 has grown in valuation to approximately ₦200 billion.