Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to unlocking the vast economic potential of the blue economy, declaring the state open and ready for strategic investments and partnerships.

The governor made this known at the Blue Economy Investment Summit 2026 themed: “Shifting Gears: Heading to a New Frontier in Maritime Economy,” held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre on Thursday. Represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Oborevwori noted that the blue economy has become a top policy priority globally, as nations strive to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

He commended the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a bold step towards harnessing Nigeria’s maritime resources for job creation and economic growth.

He said Delta State has already developed a comprehensive roadmap to drive its blue economy agenda, leveraging its strategic location in the Niger Delta with a coastline stretching approximately 163 kilometres. The governor highlighted the state’s rich ecological assets, including mangrove forests, wetlands, and major rivers such as the Niger, Benin, and Escravos, which empty into the Atlantic Ocean.

According to him, 14 out of the state’s 25 local government areas are directly linked to the blue economy due to their proximity to waterways, presenting enormous opportunities in sectors such as aquaculture, marine transport, offshore energy, tourism, and logistics. Oborevwori disclosed that the state government has established two key committees, the Blue Economy Steering Committee and the Technical Working Committee, to coordinate policies and drive implementation.