Okonjo-Iweala urges Delta govt. to explore global trade opportunities

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called on the Delta State Government to position itself to benefit from emerging global trade opportunities by strengthening industrialisation, infrastructure and value-added production.

Speaking at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba on Monday, themed “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potential,” Okonjo-Iweala said ongoing changes in global supply chains had created fresh opportunities for economies that were adequately prepared to attract investments and expand manufacturing.

She noted that despite geopolitical tensions, climate change, rising tariffs and technological disruptions, global trade remained resilient, stressing that Africa and Nigeria could benefit from the evolving landscape through strategic planning and competitiveness.

According to the WTO chief, global trade in goods and services reached 34.6 trillion dollars in 2025, while Africa’s merchandise exports grew by more than 10 per cent, reflecting the continent’s growing role in international commerce.

Okonjo-Iweala described the ongoing shift in global production as “re-globalisation,” explaining that companies were increasingly diversifying manufacturing locations beyond traditional industrial centres. She said Delta State could take advantage of this trend by developing the right policies, infrastructure and investment climate.

She identified the state’s abundant natural gas, coastline, seaports, fertile agricultural land, solid minerals and educational institutions as strategic assets capable of driving industrial growth and economic transformation.

The former Nigerian finance minister also commended the state’s fiscal discipline, describing sound financial management as critical to attracting investors and sustaining development. She praised Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for unveiling a 100-million-dollar Viability Guarantee Fund aimed at reducing investment risks and encouraging private sector participation.

Okonjo-Iweala stressed that natural resources alone would not guarantee development without effective implementation, strong institutions and proper maintenance of infrastructure. She urged the state government to establish world-class Special Economic Zones supported by reliable electricity, transport networks, water supply and digital infrastructure.

She advised Delta to study successful industrial parks such as the Lekki Free Zone in Lagos and the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone in the Republic of Benin, noting that such models had proven effective in attracting industries, creating jobs and accelerating economic growth.

The WTO Director-General further urged the state to focus on agricultural value chains where it possessed comparative advantages, emphasising the need to process agricultural produce, improve quality, meet international standards and strengthen market access rather than relying on exports of raw commodities.

She also highlighted the economic potential of Delta’s waterways, coastline and seaports, calling for increased investment in aquaculture, fish processing, cold storage facilities, marine logistics and sustainable fisheries management to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fish products.

Okonjo-Iweala encouraged the state to maximise its natural gas resources by expanding infrastructure that would support industries, manufacturing clusters and power generation, while also investing in digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence to remain competitive in the evolving global economy.

She urged Delta to leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying Africa’s growing economic integration and global supply chain diversification offered a unique opportunity for the state to attract investment and expand exports.

Quoting renowned Delta-born author Ben Okri, she urged the state to recognise and harness its existing strengths, adding that Delta’s greatest asset remained its people, whose talent and innovation could drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth.