Nigeria's Vice President and WTO Chief Open Delta Investment Summit

Vice President Kashim Shettima and World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala opened the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba on August 3, 2026. Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima endorsed a healthy cycle of economic competition among Nigeria's states, arguing that subnational diversification is essential for national prosperity and job creation.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who organized the three-day event following diplomatic missions to Brazil and China, introduced a $100 million Viability Gap Fund to de-risk private investments. The summit focuses on expanding the blue economy, digital innovation, and agriculture. Okonjo-Iweala urged the state to prioritize Special Economic Zones and high-impact sectors to capitalize on global supply chain shifts, suggesting that Delta State could rival Lagos as a primary national growth engine.

Supporting the initiative, Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele linked the state's capacity for expansion to federal reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Austin Avuru proposed specific infrastructure goals, including maritime reforms for the state's four seaports and the establishment of 30,000 hectares of agricultural land banks. The event included financing sessions with major banks and a partnership pledge from Tony Elumelu to improve local electricity distribution.