The Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, has described Delta State’s economy as one of the top four largest economies in Nigeria.
Emu stated this in his keynote address at the 2025 Public Lecture and Awards Ceremony of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter, held on Thursday in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
He said the theme: The Role of Professionals in the Successful Implementation of the Delta State Government MORE Agenda was apt and highlighted the state’s impressive growth trajectory, attributing it to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s strategic governance, infrastructural investments, and a thriving private sector.
Dr. Emu emphasized that Delta’s economic rise was a result of deliberate policies aimed at boosting agriculture, industrialization, and human capital development.
He said through prudent management of resources, investor-friendly policies, and a focus on key sectors like oil and gas, manufacturing, and technology, Delta has solidified its place as a major economic hub in Nigeria.
He also pointed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration as a key driver of this success, citing initiatives such as the expansion of road networks, increased support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and the development of industrial parks across the state.
Dr Emu added that the state’s strong contributions to the oil and gas sector, along with growing diversification efforts, have been critical in achieving this status.
“Whether you denominate in naira or dollar Delta is the 4th largest economy in Nigeria and the highest oil producer in the country today. Oil revenue today accounts for only 48.7 percent of our GDP, Services and all others account for 51.25 percent.
“This tells you that even though oil and gas is our main revenue earner, services and others account for money. It means that as an economy, we are diversifying even though oil accounts for the highest revenue, it does not account in terms of provision of jobs for our people.
“Agriculture sector has grown year-on-year at 13.3 percent for over six years now while services and manufacturing have also grown significantly. We have diversified and created huge jobs for our people totalling over 257,000 jobs and that is very significant” he added.
In his welcome remarks, Chairman APBN, Delta State Chapter, Surv. Victor Ezie, acknowledged the good works of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori especially on the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway, emphasising that the impact of his governance was resonating through out the length and breath of the State.
He congratulated Governor Oborevwori on his emergence as Governor of the year by THISDAY/ARISE News and urged the Governor to keep the flag flying even as he expects diversification of the state’s economy beyond oil dependence.
He called for more investments in non-oil sectors such as Agriculture, Technology, Industries, Commerce, Electricity, Transportation, mass housing, tourism among others to ensure sustainable growth.
