Delta State has unveiled a bold investment strategy aimed at accelerating infrastructure development and attracting more private sector participation, introducing a $100 million (approximately ₦133 billion) Viability Gap Fund designed to reduce investment risks and unlock high-impact projects across the state.
The announcement was made by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori during the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, where government leaders, business executives and development partners gathered to explore new opportunities for economic transformation.
According to the governor, the Viability Gap Fund is intended to give investors greater confidence by lowering the risks associated with strategic projects. He said the initiative will help bring critical investments to fruition, stimulate economic activity and promote shared prosperity throughout Delta State.
Oborevwori explained that the summit was created to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and the capital required to execute them, while showcasing the state's comparative socio-economic advantages to investors seeking viable opportunities.
Beyond the unveiling of the investment fund, discussions at the summit focused on how states can position themselves for sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive global economy.
Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said the current global economic environment, despite its disruptions, continues to present significant opportunities for Delta State, Nigeria and Africa. She urged governments to embrace fiscal prudence, reduce trade costs, improve project execution and strengthen the country's maintenance culture.
She also encouraged policymakers to study the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos, describing it as a project worth examining because of its impact on employment. According to her, the port has created about 5,000 jobs, demonstrating the value of well-executed infrastructure investments.
Speaking at the summit as Special Guest of Honour, Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigeria's economic direction is receiving positive recognition from international credit rating agencies, including Fitch, S&P and Moody's, which he said reflects growing confidence in the country's development trajectory.
He argued that diversification remains one of the strongest indicators of responsible leadership, stressing that economies built solely on natural resources cannot guarantee lasting prosperity. While resources may finance development, he said, enduring progress depends on ideas, strong institutions and thriving enterprises.
Shettima also called on state governments to move beyond documenting assets and focus on translating opportunities into tangible investments that generate businesses, jobs and long-term economic value.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, noted that states and local governments are now receiving unprecedented revenues following recent economic reforms that have contributed to greater macroeconomic stability. He urged both governments and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the improved fiscal environment to expand economic opportunities and promote shared prosperity.
Delta State's new investment initiative comes as Nigeria continues to embrace de-risking strategies to improve financing and encourage private sector growth.
With the launch of the $100 million Viability Gap Fund, Delta State is positioning itself to attract greater private investment, strengthen investor confidence and accelerate projects capable of supporting long-term economic development and job creation.
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