Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for deeper collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of the government to reposition Nigeria’s automotive industry for global competitiveness and sustainable growth.
The Governor made the call on Monday while declaring open a four-day retreat for members and staff of the House of Representatives Committee on Industry and the National Automobile Design and Development Council (NADDC), held in Asaba. He was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo.
Speaking on the theme, “Building a Globally Competitive Automotive Sector in Nigeria through Effective Executive–Legislative Partnership,” Governor Oborevwori commended the organisers for their foresight, describing the retreat as timely and strategic to Nigeria’s economic diversification and industrial revitalization agenda.
He noted that the automotive sector remains a major driver of industrial growth, technological innovation, and employment creation worldwide, citing Europe and the United States as examples where the industry supports millions of jobs and stimulates allied sectors such as steelmaking, ICT, and petroleum refining.
“The objective of this retreat aligns perfectly with my administration’s vision of accelerating industrialization in Delta State,” Oborevwori said.
“Legislative support for local manufacturing incentives, infrastructure financing, and skills development must go hand in hand with the executive’s commitment to policy stability, ease of doing business, and protection of indigenous industries.
Nigeria can and must build an automotive industry that is sustainable, globally competitive, and youth-driven, while conserving foreign exchange.”
The Governor emphasized the critical role of subnational governments in complementing federal initiatives through investor-friendly reforms, streamlined approval processes, and policies that promote social inclusion and business confidence.
He highlighted that under his MORE Agenda, Delta State is fostering a conducive environment for industrial growth through massive infrastructure renewal, strengthened public–private partnerships, decentralized power initiatives, and enhanced peace and security.
Oborevwori also pointed out Delta’s strategic advantages, including its rich natural resources, coastal location, and four seaports, which position the state as a natural hub for manufacturing, logistics, and export-oriented investments.
“Beyond our natural endowments, Delta’s central location connecting the South-South, South-East, and South-West regions makes it a commercial gateway for industrial expansion,” he added.
Expressing optimism that the retreat would yield actionable recommendations to transform Nigeria’s automotive industry, the Governor assured participants that his administration would support outcomes that align with national and subnational industrial goals.
Declaring the retreat open, Oborevwori encouraged participants to explore Asaba’s scenic attractions and experience the state’s renowned hospitality.
“Together, we can build a future where Nigeria’s automotive industry becomes a symbol of national pride, technological advancement, and shared prosperity,” he concluded.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Industry, Hon. Enitan Badru, said the retreat was designed to strengthen executive–legislative collaboration toward revitalizing the nation’s automotive sector.
