Brazil, Malaysia, US Investors Signal Readiness to Invest in Delta After Economic Summit Tour

By Kparobo Ehvwubare-Asaba

Delta State’s campaign to attract foreign direct investment gained significant momentum on Wednesday as investors from Brazil, Malaysia and the United States declared their readiness to invest in the state’s agriculture, energy and industrial sectors after touring major investment facilities across Delta.

The inspection tour, organised as part of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, took delegates to the Kwale Special Economic Zone, the Kwale Gas Gathering Hub, Phoenix Company, Skyward Resources Group in Oleh and Uzezi Farms in Oyede.

The investors described Delta as one of Nigeria’s emerging investment destinations, citing its infrastructure, business-friendly policies and existing private-sector investments as major attractions.

Brazil Eyes Gas Power, Cassava Processing, Ranching

Leader of the Brazilian agribusiness delegation, Roberto Fonseca, described the Kwale Special Economic Zone as a strategic project capable of attracting global investments and accelerating Nigeria’s industrial growth.

According to him, the delegation had monitored the development of the economic zone for some time before deciding to visit, adding that the project demonstrates the Delta State Government’s commitment to creating a conducive investment environment.

Fonseca disclosed that Brazilian investors are considering a joint venture in gas-fired power generation and a cassava processing plant, noting that Kwale’s location makes it ideal for such investments.

“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,” he said.

During visits to Skyward Resources Group and Uzezi Farms, Fonseca also praised the modern agricultural facilities, saying they demonstrated Nigeria’s huge potential to strengthen food production and improve food security.

He added that Brazil is ready to support Nigeria through investments in ranching, beef processing, technology transfer and agricultural innovation.

Malaysia Targets Delta’s Oil Palm Industry

Malaysia also signalled strong interest in Delta State’s agricultural sector.

Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Aiyub Omar, revealed that he attended the summit alongside representatives of Malaysian agribusiness companies with extensive experience in large-scale oil palm plantation management.

He disclosed that discussions had already begun with Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on possible collaboration to expand Delta’s oil palm industry, expressing confidence that Malaysia’s expertise would support the state’s agricultural transformation.

American Investors Join Delta Investment Drive

Founder of Agrinexus, Dr. Shermal Perera, said the organisation is already working with Nigerian partners and has commenced collaboration in Delta State.

According to him, Agrinexus serves as technical partner to JB Farms and is supporting DELCOM on a proposed smallholder oil palm development programme.

Perera further revealed that the company had brought an American investor to the summit to explore business opportunities in Delta, noting that international interest is already translating into concrete investment discussions.

‘Delta Means Business’ — Onyeme

Leading the inspection tour, Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, said the state deliberately combined investment presentations with visits to successful private businesses to demonstrate that Delta is fully prepared for investors.

He said the objective was to assure foreign investors that beyond policy discussions, Delta already has thriving indigenous businesses capable of expanding through international 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 stated.

Skyward Resources Seeks International Partnerships

Managing Director of Skyward Resources Group, Chief Eta Enahoro, disclosed that the company’s agricultural operations were developed with substantial Brazilian technical support.

He explained that the enterprise currently operates 42 greenhouse units, a 30,000-capacity poultry facility, and a modern feed mill, while inviting foreign investors to partner with the company in expanding its operations.

The strong interest shown by investors from Brazil, Malaysia and the United States is expected to further strengthen Delta State’s drive to attract foreign direct investment, create jobs, expand industrialisation and accelerate economic growth under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.