Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, launched a new chapter in the state’s industrial revolution with the groundbreaking of the Kwale Free Trade Zone (KFTZ) in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, a flagship component of the Delta Special Economic Zone Project.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori described the initiative as a fulfillment of his administration’s promise to accelerate economic diversification, attract investors, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the state.
“This groundbreaking is not just another project launch; it marks the fulfillment of our commitment to diversify Delta’s economy, expand our industrial base, and lay the foundation for generational prosperity. We are building a Delta where innovation, technology, and industry will thrive,” he said.
Highlighting the zone’s strategic advantages, the governor noted that Kwale’s abundant gas reserves and central location make it ideal for industries in energy, petrochemicals, agro-processing, logistics, and manufacturing.
He disclosed that eight companies had already shown concrete interest in operating from the zone, with two fully licensed, three awaiting final approvals, and three others in the concluding stages of regulatory processing.
“Delta State has invested over ₦3 billion in Delta Wires Industries, the first company to take off in this zone. It will produce conductors, cables, and gas cylinders for LPG and CNG markets. This is how we intend to turn our gas wealth into jobs and industrial growth,” Oborevwori said.
The governor assured that his administration would sustain the enabling environment for investors through infrastructure provision, regulatory support, and peace, warning that government-acquired lands must not be encroached upon.
Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, who served as Chief Host, hailed the project as the long-awaited economic rebirth of Ndokwa land, projecting massive job creation and improved power supply as industries begin operation.
Former Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who chaired the event, commended Oborevwori for continuing and expanding upon his administration’s economic vision.
“People may not realize it today, but in five to ten years, this area will become a bustling industrial city. What has been done today is historic — a revolution in Delta’s economic structure,” Okowa said.
Chairman of the Delta Special Economic Zone Management Company, Brig. Gen. Mike Ndubisi (rtd), described the groundbreaking as a major milestone in Delta’s industrial evolution, while Managing Director, Pastor Godwin Akpovie, revealed that over $100 million in investments had already been secured for the Kwale and Koko clusters of the project.
He also announced ongoing partnerships with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to develop an industrial corridor linking Koko Port to Kwale.
Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government Council, Chief Obi Nzete, pledged full support and security for all investors, emphasizing the project’s transformative potential for the local economy.
Goodwill messages from NEPZA and major investors, including Xenergri Limited, Eastern Delta Wires Industries Ltd, Africa Gas Access, Chorus Energy, and Masters Chemicals & Fertilizer Company, reaffirmed commitment to speedy commencement of operations.
From conception under Senator Okowa to execution under Governor Oborevwori, the Kwale Free Trade Zone stands as a symbol of visionary continuity and a bold step toward Delta State’s economic renaissance.
