The Delta State Government has said sustainable job creation must be driven largely by the private sector rather than the public service, as thousands of graduates enter the labour market each year.
The State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, stated this on Tuesday in Asaba while speaking with journalists. He said the government could no longer continue to serve as the primary employer because fiscal realities limit the expansion of the public workforce.
Ekedayen explained that although the government remains one of the largest employers in the state, increasing the public workforce without corresponding productivity would raise the wage bill and place additional pressure on public finances.
He said the responsibility of government is to create an enabling environment that allows businesses to grow and absorb the expanding labour force.
Speaking further, Ekedayen noted that government institutions are not structured to operate like private businesses, adding that political cycles often disrupt commercial continuity.
According to him, businesses require discipline, predictability, and long-term planning — conditions he said are more sustainable within the private sector.
Ekedayen also pointed to the expansion of commercial activities in Asaba as an indication that the state’s economic reforms are beginning to yield results.
He said increasing investments in hospitality, retail, and property development reflect growing investor confidence in the state.
The commissioner added that improvements in road infrastructure, enhanced security, and ongoing urban renewal projects have made Delta more attractive to investors and entrepreneurs.
Ekedayen further disclosed that the Delta Special Economic Zone has recorded measurable growth following deliberate government intervention.
He said the administration cleared inherited administrative bottlenecks, including outstanding licensing and renewal fees, to restore regulatory compliance within the zone.
According to him, the move reassured both existing and prospective investors of the government’s commitment to improving the investment climate.
“Two years ago, fewer than three companies operated in the zone, but today we have 11 active firms,” Ekedayen said.
He added that several new expressions of interest from investors are currently being processed as infrastructure within the economic zone continues to improve.
The commissioner also revealed that approvals have been granted for critical internal works aimed at expanding the zone’s operational capacity.
Ekedayen further disclosed that the state has secured inclusion in a federal agro-processing programme supported by the African Development Bank.
According to him, the programme is designed to establish agro-industrial clusters that integrate farming, processing, and export activities.
He said the focus areas will include cassava processing, poultry production, animal feed manufacturing, and other value-added agricultural products.
Ekedayen described the initiative as a major step towards industrialising agriculture, reducing post-harvest losses, and strengthening food security.
He added that the combined impact of the Special Economic Zone and the agro-processing programme is expected to create significant employment opportunities across several value chains in the state.
