Delta State’s campaign to attract foreign investment gained significant momentum on Wednesday as investors from Brazil, Malaysia, and the United States signalled their readiness to commit funds to the state’s agriculture, energy, and industrial sectors after inspecting major investment projects across the state.
The prospective investors, who attended the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, toured the Kwale Special Economic Zone, including the Kwale Gas Gathering Hub and Phoenix Company, before visiting Skyward Resources Group in Oleh and Uzezi Farms in Oyede.
Leader of the Brazilian agribusiness delegation, Roberto Fonseca, described the Kwale Special Economic Zone as a world-class initiative capable of attracting global capital and accelerating Nigeria’s industrialisation.
He revealed that the Brazilian group was considering investments in gas-fired power generation and a cassava processing plant through a joint venture arrangement, saying the location offered immense strategic advantages.
“We have been studying the Kwale Special Economic Zone with great interest because we believe it is a very wise decision by the Delta State Government. We are planning investments in natural gas power generation and cassava processing, and I believe the Brazilian flag will soon stand alongside the Nigerian flag here in a fruitful partnership,” Fonseca said.
He also praised the facilities at Skyward Resources Group and Uzezi Farms, saying Brazil was prepared to partner with Nigeria in ranching, beef processing, technology transfer, and modern agricultural practices to strengthen food security.
Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Aiyub Omar, said his country was exploring investment opportunities in Delta’s oil palm sector, disclosing that discussions had already begun with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on possible collaboration.
He noted that members of the Malaysian delegation included leading agribusiness firms with extensive experience in large-scale oil palm plantation management.
Founder of Agrinexus, Dr. Shermal Perera, said his organisation had already commenced partnerships with businesses in Delta State and brought an American investor to explore new opportunities.
According to him, Agrinexus is the technical partner to JB Farms and is also supporting DELCOM on a proposed smallholder oil palm development programme.
Leading the inspection tour, Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, said the state deliberately took investors beyond conference presentations to demonstrate that Delta already possesses thriving private sector enterprises capable of supporting global partnerships.
“What we are looking for is partnership, technology, and expertise. We want investors to see that Delta means business. We have indigenous entrepreneurs who are here to stay and are ready to partner with investors from across the world. We want you to have confidence that your investments will be safe in Delta State,” Onyeme said.
Managing Director of Skyward Resources Group, Chief Eta Enahoro, disclosed that his company had already benefited from Brazilian technical expertise in developing its greenhouse facilities, poultry operations, and feed mill.
He said the farm currently operates 42 greenhouse units and a poultry facility with a capacity of more than 30,000 birds, while inviting foreign investors to partner with the company in expanding its operations.
Discover more from Keeping Them Honest
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.