Delta’s Economy Booms: Over 257,000 Jobs Created– Emu
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State has emerged as one of Nigeria’s four largest economies, underscoring its expanding economic strength and strategic growth policies under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, has said.
Speaking at the 2025 Public Lecture and Awards Ceremony of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) Delta State Chapter in Asaba, Dr. Emu attributed the state’s economic growth to targeted policies, infrastructure expansion, and a thriving private sector. He emphasized that Delta’s rise resulted from deliberate investments in agriculture, industrialization, and human capital development.
“Whether you denominate in naira or dollars, Delta is the fourth-largest economy in Nigeria and the highest oil producer in the country today,” Emu said. “Oil revenue now accounts for only 48.7% of our GDP, while services and other sectors make up 51.25%, demonstrating our commitment to economic diversification.”
According to him, the state’s agricultural sector has recorded an annual growth rate of 13.3% for over six years, while services and manufacturing have expanded significantly. He revealed that over 257,000 jobs have been created through various empowerment programs and infrastructure projects.
The SSG highlighted Governor Oborevwori’s development agenda, citing the construction of over 500 roads covering more than 1,500 kilometers, alongside 933 kilometers of drainage systems, as key drivers of job creation and poverty reduction. He noted that Delta State was ranked the second least poor state in Nigeria in 2020, behind only Lagos, and maintained a lower-than-national-average poverty rate of 47% in 2022.
“Infrastructure development stimulates economic growth. The more roads we construct, the more jobs we create,” he said, referencing major projects such as the Trans Warri-Ode Itsekiri road and the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway.
Emu called on professionals to support the state’s development by offering expert advice and engaging in policy implementation.
In his remarks, Chairman of APBN Delta State Chapter, Surv. Victor Ezie, commended Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, particularly his efforts on the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway. He urged the administration to sustain its drive for economic diversification by increasing investments in non-oil sectors, including agriculture, technology, commerce, and tourism, to ensure sustainable growth.
