Delta Has No Business Calling for Investors Without Basic Infrastructure — Otiti Replies Delta SSG

ASABA – The National President of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG), Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, has strongly criticised the Delta State Government over its renewed appeal for local and foreign investors ahead of the 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit.

Reacting to comments by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, who listed roads, bridges, power infrastructure, maritime assets and industrial zones as major attractions for investors, Otiti described the claims as “mere public relations hype that does not reflect the realities on ground.”

According to Otiti, no serious investor would willingly commit huge capital to a state where critical infrastructure, particularly stable electricity, modern road networks and functioning industrial parks, remains inadequate.

“It is difficult to understand the basis for inviting investors into Delta State when the government has not provided the basic infrastructure that drives industrial development. Investors first look at electricity, transportation, security, ease of doing business and industrial facilities before making investment decisions,” he said.

Otiti questioned the SSG’s claim that Delta possesses attractive road infrastructure, asking:

“Which roads is Dr. Kingsley Emu referring to? Has he compared Delta’s road network with what exists in Abuja or neighbouring Akwa Ibom State? The difference is obvious.”

He urged Delta State officials to visit other states where deliberate investments in infrastructure have transformed their economies.

He specifically pointed to the achievements of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, saying that within three years, Umuahia has witnessed remarkable improvements in roads, urban renewal and governance, creating a more attractive environment for investment.

He also cited Akwa Ibom State as another example where consistent investment in infrastructure has enhanced investor confidence.

Otiti further demanded that the Delta State Government explain the current status of the long-promised Kwale Industrial Park, noting that the project has remained largely inactive despite years of promises.

“If Delta truly desires industrialisation, government should first complete strategic projects such as the Kwale Industrial Park, provide uninterrupted electricity, rehabilitate major roads, revive the state’s moribund seaports and create industrial clusters capable of supporting manufacturing.”

He also questioned attempts by the state government to take credit for infrastructure projects being executed by the Federal Government, including some ongoing flyover bridge projects.

“The Federal Government’s projects cannot be presented as evidence of Delta State’s industrial preparedness. Investors are interested in what the state government itself has provided to support businesses.”

Otiti maintained that attracting investors requires more than organising investment summits and producing glossy investment brochures.

“Investment follows confidence. Confidence is built on visible infrastructure, transparent governance, reliable electricity, efficient transportation and a conducive business environment, not lofty declarations.”

He urged the Delta State Government to focus on delivering practical development that citizens can see and investors can trust before embarking on aggressive investment campaigns.

“The people of Delta deserve genuine development. Government must prioritise infrastructure and industrial growth instead of making claims that many residents cannot reconcile with the realities they experience daily.”

Otiti concluded by calling on the Oborevwori administration to study successful development models from states such as Abia and Akwa Ibom and adopt practical policies capable of transforming Delta into a genuinely competitive investment destination.