Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has emphasized that his administration will only partner with investors who are genuinely interested in the state’s growth, instead of seeking to plunder the state’s resources.
Speaking during a meeting at the Government House in Asaba, with Mr. Arun Goswami, Chairman of Metwest Steel Limited, and the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Osaro Adusomnwan, Gov. Oborevwori emphasized that Delta State will no longer support investments that don’t prioritize the state’s overall development.
“Many individuals and companies come to Delta with a mindset to see what they can extract from the government, without any real intent to contribute to our development. We are not ready to partner with such investors who just believe in taking from the government,” Oborevwori said.
The governor explained that his administration’s approach will center on private-public partnerships, where both the state government and the private sector bring value to the table.
Recalling his recent visit to Metwest Steel’s factory and the Delta Free Trade Zone in Kwale, he noted: “It was important for me to assess what is already in place. We will carefully evaluate each opportunity and ensure it aligns with the long-term interests of Delta State.”
Gov. Oborevwori further responded to specific requests from Metwest Steel regarding their involvement in the Delta State Free Trade Zone, assuring them that his administration would assess their needs.
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He underscored the importance of timelines, stating that “if we are to release our equity, we need clear and reliable timelines for when this project will be operational. Some investors set unrealistic schedules and then fail to meet them, but we are ready to fulfill our part if you can assure us of a committed time frame.”
The governor further welcomed Metwest Steel’s commitment, stating that the state needs investments like theirs to provide job opportunities and drive economic growth.
“This is the kind of development we want—investments that build our communities and put unemployed people to work,” he added.
Earlier, Chairman of Metwest Steel, Mr. Osaro Adusomnwan, expressed gratitude for the governor’s support and detailed the company’s plans for their plant at Kwale.
He highlighted that the project will initially create 500 direct jobs, expanding to 7,000 over six years, while also contributing significantly to Delta State’s internally generated revenue.
