Delta losing N26bn annually to untapped natural resources —Official

The Executive Assistant on External Relations for Delta State, Sunday Ofehe, has stated that the oil-producing state is losing out on N26bn every year by failing to fully leverage its natural and geographical assets.

He made this statement on Friday at the launch of the National Business Masterclass in Lagos.

The programme, convened by Top3 Solutions in partnership with the Institute of Certified Business Consultants Canada and Optiss Capital, focused on “Positioning Nigerian Businesses for Export and Global Competitiveness.”

Ofehe, a former governorship aspirant in the state who lost the election but was later appointed to his current role, emphasised the untapped potential in Delta, particularly around the Gulf of Guinea, where the state holds valuable resources that remain largely underutilised.

He discussed the state’s 65 square kilometres of coastline dedicated to fisheries, noting that despite the potential, there are no policies in place to protect the resources or ensure local communities benefit.

“We have the potential to generate at least N26bn annually. We have 65 square kilometres of coastline dedicated to fishing. I won’t mention specific countries, but I know that some come at night, while we’re asleep, to take our fish away,” Ofehe said, highlighting the lack of protective measures for Delta’s natural wealth.

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