Avuru outlines roadmap to build competitive Delta economy

Austin Avuru, founding chairman of Seplat Energy and chairman of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, has outlined a strategic roadmap aimed at cultivating a competitive and sustainable economy within Delta State, Nigeria. Avuru urged the state government to prioritize key sectors including maritime reforms, the development of industrial parks, and the expansion of commercial agriculture to attract substantial private sector investment.

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Going forward, Delta State must intentionally and consciously move beyond the old dependence on traditional economic models. We must deliberately build a strong and sustainable economy based on the unique areas where we enjoy a competitive advantage.

Speaking at the summit in Asaba, Avuru stressed the need for Delta State to intentionally shift away from its historical reliance on traditional economic models. "Going forward, Delta State must intentionally and consciously move beyond the old dependence on traditional economic models. We must deliberately build a strong and sustainable economy based on the unique areas where we enjoy a competitive advantage," he stated. His vision centers on creating an environment conducive to massive and sustained private sector investment through well-defined policies that enhance the ease of doing business.

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Our goal is to create an environment that supports massive and sustained private sector investment through deliberate, well-thought-out policies that truly improve the ease of doing business.

Avuru highlighted Delta State's significant maritime potential, noting its four seaports, Warri, Sapele, Koko, and Burutu, and two interconnected airports. He pointed out the strategic expressway linking Warri, Uromi, Kwale, and Asaba, which connects these airports and ports to vital markets, positioning the state as a major logistics and commercial hub. To fully unlock this potential, Avuru called for dredging the waterways leading to Warri and Burutu ports to accommodate larger vessels, predicting a significant increase in cargo traffic, job creation, and economic activity.

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Delta State is uniquely blessed with four seaports, Warri, Sapele, Koko and Burutu, as well as two interconnected airports. The expressway linking Warri, Uromi, Kwale and Asaba connects not only the two airports but also our ports to key markets. This strategic infrastructure positions Delta State as a major logistics and commercial hub.

Agriculture and industrialization were also identified as crucial growth drivers. Avuru proposed the establishment of strategic land banks, suggesting that if the government acquires and develops approximately 30,000 hectares, it would facilitate leasing for commercial agriculture. He envisions Delta State becoming a leading producer of oil palm and cassava for both domestic consumption and export, with land banks supporting large-scale cultivation for food and industrial processing, including ethanol production. Furthermore, he pointed to existing industrial parks in Kwale and Koko, emphasizing that reliable gas supply and stable electricity would attract manufacturers, while the Koko park's seaport location is ideal for agro-processing and export-oriented industries. Avuru concluded by stating that while the first term focused on infrastructure, the second must concentrate on maximizing economic benefits, with security remaining a key priority.

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To unlock the full potential of our maritime assets, we must dredge the waterways leading to Warri and Burutu ports to accommodate larger vessels. Cargo traffic through our four ports would multiply several times over, creating jobs, stimulating commerce and expanding economic activity across the state. Equally important is the continuous maintenance of the road infrastructure connecting these strategic assets.