The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has urged the Delta government to position itself for emerging global trade opportunities that could transform the state into Nigeria’s next industrial hub.
Okonjo-Iweala made the call at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit on Monday in Asaba.
The Summit has as its theme, “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potential”.
She said global supply chain shifts were creating opportunities for prepared economies through industrialisation, infrastructure development, digital technology and value-added production.
The WTO chief said despite geopolitical tensions, rising tariffs, climate change and rapid technological changes, global trade had remained resilient, offering opportunities for countries and regions ready to compete.
“Despite global uncertainty, trade has remained resilient. That means opportunities still exist for Delta, Nigeria and Africa. The question is whether we are ready to seize them,” she said.
She said global trade in goods and services recorded 34.6 trillion dollars in 2025, while Africa’s merchandise exports grew by more than 10 per cent.
According to her, changing global production patterns were encouraging companies to diversify away from traditional manufacturing centres, creating fresh opportunities for emerging economies.
Okonjo-Iweala described the trend as “re-globalisation”, saying Delta could benefit significantly if it developed the right policies, infrastructure and investment environment.
“The opportunities are here. What remains is for Delta to prioritise, execute and compete for global investments,” she said.
She identified Delta’s natural gas reserves, coastline, seaports, fertile agricultural land, solid minerals and educational institutions as major advantages for industrial growth.
The former Nigerian finance minister praised the state’s fiscal discipline, saying strong financial management is essential for building investor confidence and achieving sustainable development.
“Fiscal discipline is extremely important. Without it, it will be difficult to build the Delta we all want,” she said.
She commended Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for unveiling a 100 million dollar Viability Guarantee Fund aimed at reducing investment risks and attracting businesses.
“I came because you are a governor, who takes action. The announcement of the 100-million-dollar investment fund is exactly the kind of initiative we need,” she said.
Okonjo-Iweala stressed that natural resources alone could not guarantee development without effective execution, strong institutions and proper infrastructure maintenance.
“What matters is execution. Development comes from proper implementation, maintenance of infrastructure, strong institutions and clear priorities,” she added.
She urged the state to establish world-class Special Economic Zones supported by reliable electricity, roads, rail connections, water supply and digital infrastructure.
The WTO chief said successful industrial parks had proven effective in attracting industries, creating jobs and supporting economic transformation globally.
She advised Delta officials to study successful industrial zones, including the Lekki Free Zone in Lagos and the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone in the Republic of Benin.
Okonjo-Iweala urged the state to focus on developing selected agricultural value chains, where it had competitive advantages rather than spreading resources across many sectors.
“It is not enough to produce crops. You must process them, improve quality, meet international standards, provide financing backing and connect producers to markets,” she said.
She said value addition would create more jobs, increase exports and generate greater income than exporting raw agricultural commodities.
The WTO Director-General described Delta’s waterways, coastline and seaports as major economic assets capable of driving the blue economy.
She noted that Nigeria imported nearly one billion dollars worth of fish products annually, in spite possessing resources capable of supporting local production.
“We should not continue spending huge amounts importing fish when states like Delta have the natural resources to produce them locally,” she said.
She called for investments in aquaculture, fish processing, cold storage facilities, marine logistics and sustainable fisheries management.
Okonjo-Iweala also urged Delta to maximise its gas resources by expanding infrastructure capable of supplying industries, power plants and manufacturing clusters.
She emphasised the importance of digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, saying technology would shape the future of global trade.
“The future of global trade is increasingly digital. Young people and women are already participating in the digital economy,” she said.
She encouraged Delta to look beyond Nigeria’s domestic market by taking advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
According to her, global supply chain diversification and African economic integration presented a rare opportunity for Delta to attract investments.
Quoting Delta-born author Ben Okri, she advised the state to recognise and maximise its existing strengths.
“Don’t neglect the gold in your own backyard,” she said.
Okonjo-Iweala said Delta’s greatest asset was not only its oil and gas resources but also its people, whose potential could drive inclusive economic growth.
