Delta Governor Urges Swedish Investors to Explore Investment Opportunities

By Francis Sadhere, Warri

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on Swedish investors to explore the state’s investment opportunities, emphasizing its peaceful environment, strategic location, and abundant natural resources as key factors for high returns on investments.

Governor Oborevwori made the appeal during a courtesy visit by the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, and her delegation at the Government House in Asaba on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the Governor noted Delta State’s wealth of crude oil and gas resources, along with its favorable business climate, adding that the state is one of Nigeria’s top oil producers.

He reassured the Swedish delegation that the state offers lucrative investment prospects for those willing to venture into its diverse sectors.

“Delta State is a peaceful place, and it is one of the key contributors to the nation’s oil reserves. We are open to business because of the tranquility and favorable investment conditions we offer,” Governor Oborevwori said.

The Governor also pointed out the state’s robust infrastructure, mentioning the presence of three functional airports: the Asaba International Cargo Airport, Osubi/Warri Airport, and Escravos Airport, which serves the coastal oil terminal.

He added that these facilities make Delta State an ideal location for international business engagements.

He also emphasized the importance of the state’s economic zones, such as the Kwale Free Trade Zone, Koko Free Trade Zone, and the Ogwashi-Uku Agro Industrial Park, which offer various investment incentives, including tax holidays and duty-free import and export privileges.

Governor Oborevwori further emphasized the state’s commitment to facilitating business by providing investors with detailed information about the ease of doing business in the region.

He invited Swedish companies to take advantage of the opportunities in Delta State, promising high returns on investment.

“We assure you of profitable ventures. Every investor seeks profitability, and we are confident that Delta State offers just that,” he added.

Earlier, Swedish Ambassador Annika Hahn-Englund congratulated Governor Oborevwori on his recent recognition as Governor of the Year by ThisDay Newspaper*and Arise Television. She expressed her long-standing desire to visit Delta State and commended the growing diplomatic relations between Sweden and Nigeria, which date back to 1961.

Ambassador Hahn-Englund mentioned Sweden’s ongoing engagement with Nigeria, including recent visits by Sweden’s Vice President and Prime Minister.

She noted that Swedish companies, particularly those in ICT, infrastructure, telecom, energy, and transportation sectors, have a strong presence in Nigeria and are keen on exploring further investment opportunities.

“This visit is part of our efforts to strengthen our relationship with key Nigerian states and to promote trade and investment. We look forward to fostering more cooperation,” Ambassador Hahn-Englund stated.

Both officials expressed confidence that the visit would pave the way for increased collaboration between Sweden and Delta State, further boosting the state’s growing business profile.