AAC Governorship Candidate Faults Oborevwori on Blue Economy, Says Delta Lost Valuable Opportunities Since 2023

By : Sam Ugochukwu

The governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) for the 2027 Delta State governorship election, Engr. Isaac Eshor, has criticized the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over what he described as its failure to prioritize the development of the state's vast blue economy potential since assuming office in 2023.

Eshor's remarks followed the recent declaration by Governor Oborevwori that Delta State would invest in the blue economy, pursue the development of the Burutu Seaport, expand maritime infrastructure, and strengthen partnerships with international development agencies to drive sustainable economic growth.

Reacting to the announcement, the AAC governorship candidate described the move as overdue, arguing that Delta State had already lost several years that could have been used to unlock enormous economic opportunities within the maritime sector.

According to him, Delta State is naturally endowed with extensive waterways, coastal resources, and strategic maritime assets capable of generating thousands of jobs, attracting investments, boosting exports, and transforming the state's economy if properly harnessed.

Eshor alleged that the present administration failed to recognize the economic significance of the blue economy at the beginning of its tenure.
If the government truly understood the importance of the blue economy, it would have made it a cornerstone of its economic development agenda from day one. Delta State possesses some of the most strategic maritime resources in Nigeria, yet these opportunities have remained largely untapped, he stated.

The AAC candidate also questioned the practical outcomes of recent engagements between the state government and international development partners, including the European Union delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS officials led by Mr. Massimo De Luca.
According to him, beyond official meetings and policy announcements, Deltans are more interested in seeing tangible investments, visible infrastructure, and measurable economic benefits.

Eshor further argued that despite receiving substantial federal allocations and internally generated revenue amounting to over ₦4.1 trillion within the last three and a half years, the impact of government spending had not been sufficiently felt in key sectors of the state's economy.
He maintained that many communities across Delta State continue to face challenges such as poor road infrastructure, inadequate access to economic opportunities, unemployment, and underdevelopment despite the state's significant financial resources.

The AAC flagbearer also questioned the timing of the renewed interest in the Burutu Port project and the proposed coastal economic corridor linking Lagos, Burutu, Onitsha, and Ajaokuta.
It is surprising that the importance of the blue economy is being emphasized only now when the administration is approaching the end of its first term. Delta possesses indigenous maritime professionals with the expertise required to drive this sector.

Delta State Government should be empowering local capacity rather than creating what may eventually become another unfulfilled promise, he said.
He described the latest maritime development plans as another scam and politically motivated, he urged residents to critically examine the administration's performance in the maritime sector.

The Blue Economy should never be an afterthought. It should have been one of the administration's foremost development priorities. Across the world, countries are leveraging their maritime resources to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, expand industrial activities, and generate sustainable revenue, Eshor added.

Reiterating his commitment to maritime development, Eshor said the blue economy would form a major pillar of his administration if elected governor in 2027.

Drawing from his professional background in the maritime sector, he stated that Delta State has the potential to become one of Nigeria's leading maritime and logistics hubs through the modernization of the Burutu Port and strategic investments in coastal infrastructure.

As a maritime professional, I have consistently advocated for the development of the blue economy and the modernization of our seaports. Burutu has the capacity to become a major maritime gateway and economic hub for Delta State and the entire South-South region.

The resources are available. What has been lacking is the political will, strategic vision, and technical expertise necessary to transform these opportunities into sustainable economic growth and prosperity for our people, he said.

Eshor called on Deltans to support policies and leadership that prioritize economic diversification, maritime development, industrialization, job creation, and sustainable growth as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.