Delta State has emerged as one of the top four largest economies in Nigeria, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, has said.
Dr. Emu, stated this at the 2025 public lecture and awards of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) Delta State chapter held in Asaba on Thursday.
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 investment, and a thriving private sector.
Dr. Emu emphasized that the state 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 Gov. Oborevwori’s 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 contribution 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 fourth largest economy in Nigeria, and the highest oil producer in the country today.
“Oil revenue today accounts for only 48.7 percent of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while 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.
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“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,” the SSG said.
He said with this new ranking, Delta State is poised to attract more local and international investments, solidifying its role as a leading economic powerhouse in Nigeria.
He said the Gov. Oborevwori administration has constructed over 500 roads with over 1500km and 933km of line drainages with massive contributions to job creation and poverty eradication.
“In 2020, we were rated the second least poor state in Nigeria only second to Lagos State. In 2022, the multi- dimensional poverty rating indices showed the national average at 63 percent. Delta was 47 percent, placing ninth in the country.
“There are some jobs advertised in the country with some states applying more than Delta State, and for me its another measure of poverty.
“It indicates that the people here have other choices, they have an option because if there were no options they would have taken those jobs.
“We have over 254,747 empowerments through multiple job creation channels. For every road construction, there is provision for jobs, so the more we construct roads across the state, the more jobs we create.
“Physical and social infrastructure fertilises development so we will continue to construct more roads and other physical infrastructure across the state,” he added.
Chairman of the APBN, Delta State chapter, 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 throughout the length and breath of the state.
He congratulated Gov. 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, and tourism among others, to ensure sustainable growth.
