By Unue Emeka,
The Delta State Government has announced that Delta Wires Industrial Ltd, a Tyrogroup and other firms operating within the Kwale Free Trade Zone (KFTZ) have the potential to generate over 20,000 jobs as the zone becomes a new frontier for industrial growth and energy-linked manufacturing in Nigeria’s South-South.
Speaking at the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Kwale Free Trade Zone in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori described the project as “a major leap toward Delta’s industrial transformation.” He lauded Delta Wires Industrial Ltd, which has already invested over $20 million, as one of the anchor investors driving the zone’s early development momentum.
According to the Governor, Delta Wires will produce conductors, cables, and gas cylinders for both LPG and CNG markets, marking the beginning of Delta’s strategy to convert its abundant gas reserves into large-scale industrial value. “This is how we intend to use our natural gas resources to power industrial growth and create jobs for our people,” Oborevwori said.
He noted that eight companies have shown firm interest in operating from the zone — with Delta Wire and one fully licensed, three approved for licenses, and three others in the final stages of regulatory approval. He reaffirmed that his administration had invested over ₦3 billion in infrastructure to ensure the initiative's success and attract sustainable foreign and local investments.
Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, who served as Chief Host, said the project represents “the long-awaited economic rebirth of Ndokwa land.” He added, “One company alone has promised to create 10,000 jobs. Imagine what will happen when 20 or 30 companies are fully operational here. The issue of unemployment in Ndokwa will soon be history.”
Chairman of the Delta Special Economic Zone Management Company, Brig. Gen. Mike Ndubisi (rtd), described the groundbreaking as “a milestone for Delta’s industrial evolution,” noting that the combined presence of investors such as Eastern Delta Wires, Africa Gas Access, and Masters Chemicals will “foster innovation and build a brighter future for Deltans.”
Managing Director of the Delta Special Economic Zone, Pastor Godwin Akpovie, disclosed that over $100 million in investments has already been committed to both the Kwale and Koko clusters, with discussions ongoing with the African Development Bank and Nigerian Ports Authority to link Koko Port to Kwale through a modern industrial corridor.
From conception under former Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to execution under Governor Oborevwori, the Kwale Free Trade Zone stands as a beacon of Delta’s economic renaissance — driven by private sector investors like Eastern Delta Wires Industrial Ltd and symbolising the dawn of a new industrial revolution in the Niger Delta.
