The Budgit Foundation has called on the Delta State Government to embrace economic diversification and prioritize fiscal sustainability to reduce its heavy dependence on oil and gas revenues.
The Budgit researcher, Alice Adebayo, in a meeting with the community leaders and civil society organizations in Asaba, Delta State, on Monday, highlighted the state’s untapped investment potential in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and other non-oil sectors.
Adebayo also emphasized the need for improved energy transmission infrastructure, warning that Delta risks economic stagnation if it fails to shift from oil-based revenues.
Responding to the discussion, Chief Odio Berkeley Asafia stressed that meaningful diversification would remain unattainable without consistent and reliable electricity to power industries and attract investors.
Supporting the call for innovation, Engr. (Chief) Christopher Chukwurah proposed the establishment of an engineering research and development center free from political interference to drive investment and ensure proper monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for sustainable growth.
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