Delta State is embarking on an ambitious industrial transformation as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori officially launched the Kwale Free Trade Zone, signaling a major shift from oil dependency toward diversified economic development.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks New Economic Era
Last Tuesday witnessed a historic moment in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Council, as Governor Oborevwori performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kwale Free Trade Zone (KFTZ). The event attracted business leaders, policy makers, and traditional rulers, transforming what could have been a routine ceremony into the unveiling of Delta State's bold economic future.
Governor Oborevwori emphasized that this was "not just another project launch" but the fulfillment of his promise to diversify the state's economy. "This is a promise made, promise kept," he declared, highlighting the administration's commitment to breaking the state's overreliance on crude oil.
Comprehensive Industrial Development Plan
The KFTZ represents the flagship component of the Delta Special Economic Zone Project, spanning 1,000 hectares of fully acquired and compensated land. The industrial city will feature manufacturing clusters, a petrochemical hub, logistics corridors, and power generation facilities.
Eight companies have already expressed firm interest in establishing operations within the zone. Two companies are fully licensed, three have approval for licensing, and three others are in final documentation stages, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the project.
In a significant show of commitment, the state government has invested over ₦3 billion in Delta Wires Industries, the first company scheduled to begin operations. The company will produce conductors, cables, and gas cylinders for both LPG and CNG markets, aligning with Nigeria's energy transition roadmap.
Addressing Infrastructure Gaps in Riverine Communities
Meanwhile, Governor Oborevwori took development directly to the creeks on Wednesday, inaugurating the 12.1km Ogulagha Okuntu-Odimodi Road in Burutu Local Council. The project, originally built by SPDC but significantly deteriorated over time, has been reconstructed to high engineering standards with widened pavement, upgraded drainage, and flood-resistant culverts.
The Governor emphasized his administration's commitment to equitable development, stating: "Governance is not about building flyovers or roads only in the cities while neglecting the areas that produce the oil."
He noted that since taking office, his administration has maintained peace in oil-producing communities through direct engagement and visible development projects. "Since I became governor, we have had no crisis or attacks on oil installations because we maintain a good working relationship with all communities," he affirmed.
The road commissioning was followed by the Governor's attendance at the 20th coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Capt. King Joseph Timiyan, Torububou I, the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom. Governor Oborevwori praised the monarch's two decades of leadership and his advocacy for equity in oil-producing areas.
These simultaneous developments underscore Delta State's dual approach to development: creating large-scale industrial infrastructure while ensuring that riverine communities, long neglected despite their contribution to national wealth, receive tangible benefits from governance.
