WTO Director-General Okonjo-Iweala Praises Gov. Oborevwori’s Investment Drive, Urges Focus on Blue Economy
Asaba, Delta State — World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has commended Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what she described as a deliberate and promising effort to make the state an attractive destination for both local and international investors.
Speaking in an interview following the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 (DIS 2026), Okonjo-Iweala said the governor’s leadership reflects a clear commitment to economic transformation and investment promotion.
When asked to assess Governor Oborevwori’s approach to creating an investment-friendly environment, the WTO chief responded:
“I think His Excellency, the Governor, is doing a good job. That’s why I’m here. He has made it clear that he wants to make Delta State an investment-friendly environment. He’s reaching out for the best advice. He’s going to mobilize investors, not only domestically, but also externally. Brazil, Malaysia, China, all these places, and they’re here today.”
She noted that the governor’s efforts to engage international partners and attract foreign investment send a positive signal to potential investors looking for stable and forward-looking destinations.
“I think his leadership in trying to make Delta an investment destination is good. He’s doing a good job. That’s why I decided to come to help support him,” she added.
Okonjo-Iweala, however, stressed that more work remains to be done, particularly in strengthening the infrastructure needed to support large-scale investment.
“We still have some ways to go because we need to connect some of the things needed, the infrastructural base for investment. There’s still work ongoing,” she said.
The WTO Director-General highlighted the importance of developing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that operate with round-the-clock services and provide investors with all necessary facilities in one location.
“I spoke about special economic zones and the need to make them like 24-7 serviceable, everything on site. That is what I see in other countries internationally. But His Excellency is on the good path, and I’m very optimistic that he’ll do the right thing.”
A major part of her message focused on the blue economy, which she described as a significant untapped opportunity for Delta State.
According to Okonjo-Iweala, Delta has the potential not only to reduce Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported fisheries products but also to become a major marine and logistics hub in West Africa.
She added that the state could develop into a center for marine logistics, ship repair, and aquatic economic activities.
“We can become a marine logistics and repair center in Delta State, so an aquatic center and a marine logistics hub. And he’s doing all it takes to get there.”
Okonjo-Iweala also praised the state’s reported $100 million de-risking fund, describing it as a strong policy signal aimed at encouraging private sector participation.
“He has shown us today in all his statements that he has put $100 million aside as a de-risking fund. That’s fantastic. So I think he’s on the right path.”
Her remarks have added significant international weight to Delta State’s ongoing investment campaign, with analysts saying the endorsement from the WTO Director-General could boost investor confidence in the state’s economic agenda.
Also Read: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala ranked most powerful woman in Africa
The Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 brought together government officials, business leaders, development partners, and investors from Nigeria and abroad to discuss opportunities in infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, energy, technology, and the blue economy.
With the summit placing strong emphasis on investment, infrastructure, and marine development, Okonjo-Iweala’s comments suggest that Delta State’s next major opportunity may lie not only on land, but also in its vast coastal and marine assets.
