Invest in Nigeria before opportunities vanish — Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on local and foreign investors to seize emerging opportunities in Nigeria, saying ongoing economic reforms have restored confidence in the country’s investment climate and positioned it for long-term growth.

Shettima made the appeal on Monday while declaring open the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Governor, Festus Ahon.

The Vice President said reforms introduced by the President Bola Tinubu administration had improved macroeconomic stability and enhanced Nigeria’s attractiveness to investors, urging businesses not to delay investment decisions.

“The best time to invest is now before the opportunity becomes expensive,” he said.

Shettima noted that every state has unique economic strengths capable of driving national development, adding that healthy competition among states to attract investments would create jobs, stimulate growth and improve living standards.

He also pointed to recent sovereign rating upgrades by Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s as signs of renewed international confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

Describing Delta as one of Nigeria’s leading investment destinations, the Vice President said the state’s vast natural gas reserves, coastline, seaports, agricultural resources, solid minerals and refining assets provide a strong foundation for industrial expansion and economic diversification.

He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for convening the investment summit and pledged continued collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments to remove barriers to investment and support private sector growth.

Speaking at the event, Governor Oborevwori announced a $100 million Viability Gap Funding initiative aimed at reducing investment risks and accelerating strategic private sector projects across the state.

He said the initiative would help convert investment commitments into viable projects capable of boosting industrialisation, economic diversification and employment.

The governor disclosed that Delta’s economy is valued at about ₦17 trillion and highlighted tax incentives, improved infrastructure and investor-friendly policies introduced to attract businesses.

According to him, the state has designated more than 12,000 hectares for commercial agriculture, while its 163-kilometre coastline offers significant opportunities in maritime trade and the blue economy.

Oborevwori also identified investment opportunities in gas-powered electricity generation, renewable energy and mini-grid projects, assuring investors that Delta remains financially stable and conducive for business.

Delivering the keynote address, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, urged Delta State to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area, global supply chain shifts and Nigeria’s ongoing reforms to become a major industrial hub.

She encouraged greater investment in special economic zones, agro-processing, marine logistics, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and value addition in the oil and gas sector.

Also speaking, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo said Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment had become more stable, while Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele said recent reforms had significantly increased revenues available to states for development.

Business leaders at the summit also announced new investment commitments. Chairman of Transcorp Power Holdings, Tony Elumelu, pledged to partner with the Delta State Government to improve electricity supply, while UTM Gas Limited Chief Executive Officer, Julius Rone, disclosed that the state’s ₦42 billion investment in the company had appreciated to about ₦200 billion.

Rone added that UTM Gas plans to establish its corporate headquarters in Warri once full operations begin in 2030, further strengthening Delta’s position as an emerging energy investment destination.