Asaba, Delta State – In a bold move to consolidate the socio-economic and infrastructural gains of his administration, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has announced that the state government is preparing a landmark budget of over ₦1 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year. This ambitious financial plan, which is set to be one of the largest in the state’s history, aims to propel Delta State toward sustainable growth, improved public services, and enhanced infrastructure. The announcement was made during a citizens’ engagement event focused on the preparation of the 2026 budget, held on Thursday at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
Represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, Governor Oborevwori outlined the key components of the proposed budget, emphasizing a strategic allocation designed to prioritize transformative projects while maintaining fiscal responsibility. According to the governor’s representative, 67% of the budget will be dedicated to capital expenditure, with the remaining 33% allocated to recurrent expenditure. This distribution underscores the administration’s commitment to channeling significant resources into infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other critical developmental initiatives while ensuring that obligations such as workers’ salaries and the operational costs of governance are met.
A Vision for Growth and Development
Governor Oborevwori’s announcement comes at a pivotal moment for Delta State, as the administration seeks to build on its achievements over the past two years. The proposed ₦1 trillion budget reflects a forward-looking approach to governance, with a clear focus on creating lasting impacts in the lives of Deltans. By allocating a substantial portion of the budget to capital expenditure, the government aims to address longstanding challenges in infrastructure development, improve access to quality education, and enhance healthcare delivery across the state.
The emphasis on capital expenditure is particularly significant in a state like Delta, which is known for its strategic importance in Nigeria’s economic landscape. As one of the country’s major oil-producing states, Delta has historically played a critical role in contributing to the national economy. However, the state has also faced challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, unemployment, and the need to diversify its economy beyond oil. The proposed budget signals a deliberate effort to tackle these issues head-on, with targeted investments in projects that are expected to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents.
“This gathering is not only a moment for reflection but also a platform to share the progress of our administration, reaffirm our commitment to transparency, and present our vision for the future,” Governor Oborevwori said through his representative. The citizens’ engagement event, which brought together representatives from civil society organizations, community leaders, professional bodies, and other stakeholders, was designed to foster inclusivity and ensure that the budget reflects the needs and aspirations of the people of Delta State.
Fiscal Discipline and Transparency
A cornerstone of Governor Oborevwori’s administration has been its commitment to fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability. Since assuming office, the governor has prioritized prudent financial management, implementing measures to reduce waste, curb financial leakages, and ensure that public funds are utilized effectively. These efforts have yielded significant results, including a notable reduction in the state’s public debt profile. By streamlining financial processes and improving resource allocation, the administration has created fiscal space to fund critical projects without overburdening the state with debt.
One of the standout achievements highlighted during the engagement event was the state’s success in boosting its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Without resorting to additional taxes or imposing undue burdens on citizens, the government has expanded its revenue base by improving tax compliance, plugging financial leakages, and widening the tax net. This increase in IGR has reduced Delta State’s reliance on federal allocations, providing greater financial autonomy to pursue its developmental agenda.
“Over the past two years, this administration has worked tirelessly to ensure fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability in governance,” Mr. Ekedayen stated on behalf of the governor. “We have put in place stringent financial control measures, reduced waste, and ensured that every kobo spent by the government delivers value to our people.” These measures have not only strengthened the state’s financial position but also built public trust in the government’s ability to manage resources effectively.
The focus on transparency was further emphasized by the administration’s decision to involve citizens in the budget preparation process. By organizing the engagement event, the government provided a platform for stakeholders to contribute ideas, offer feedback, and gain insight into the state’s fiscal plans. This participatory approach aligns with global best practices in governance, where citizen involvement is seen as essential to ensuring that public policies reflect the priorities of the people.
Strategic Investments in Key Sectors
The proposed ₦1 trillion budget is expected to have a transformative impact across various sectors of Delta State’s economy. In addition to infrastructure, education, and healthcare, the administration is placing a strong emphasis on agriculture and private sector investment. Mr. Ekedayen revealed that initiatives are underway to develop carbon markets, expand agricultural opportunities, and provide land to encourage private investment. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to diversify the state’s economy, create jobs, and promote sustainable development.
Agriculture, in particular, is seen as a critical driver of economic growth in Delta State. The state’s fertile land and favorable climate make it well-suited for large-scale agricultural production. By investing in agricultural initiatives, the government aims to boost food security, reduce dependence on imported goods, and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people and women. The development of carbon markets also positions Delta State as a leader in environmental sustainability, with potential benefits for both the economy and the environment.
Private sector investment is another key focus area. By providing land and creating an enabling environment for businesses, the government hopes to attract investors and stimulate economic activity. This approach is expected to generate additional revenue, create jobs, and drive innovation across various sectors. The administration’s commitment to fostering public-private partnerships underscores its recognition of the private sector’s role in achieving sustainable development.
Reviewing the 2025 Budget Performance
During the engagement event, Mr. Ekedayen provided an overview of the state’s performance under the 2025 budget, which serves as a foundation for the proposed 2026 budget. According to the commissioner, the state achieved a 69% implementation rate for the capital budget and an 86% implementation rate for the recurrent budget. These figures reflect the administration’s ability to deliver on its promises, with significant progress made in executing projects and meeting financial obligations.
“We are hopeful and confident that the trend will continue until the end of the year as more payments are being processed and more deliveries are being taken,” Mr. Ekedayen stated. The strong performance of the 2025 budget demonstrates the government’s capacity to manage large-scale financial plans effectively, providing a positive outlook for the implementation of the 2026 budget.
The success of the 2025 budget can be attributed to the administration’s focus on accountability and efficient resource management. By establishing mechanisms such as public monitoring and feedback channels, the government has ensured that projects are delivered to standard and that citizens have a voice in the governance process. These mechanisms have also helped to build trust between the government and the people, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the state’s development.
Voices of Support from Stakeholders
The citizens’ engagement event provided an opportunity for stakeholders to express their support for the Oborevwori administration’s policies and programs. Representatives from civil society organizations, community leaders, and professional bodies commended the governor for his people-oriented approach to governance. They highlighted the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and participatory governance as key factors in its success.
Mr. Rex Anighoro, a representative of civil society organizations, praised the government for its inclusive approach to budget preparation. “By involving stakeholders in the budget process, the government is ensuring that policies and projects reflect the true needs of the people,” he said. “This engagement is a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to participatory governance.”
Similarly, Prince Igwe, a community leader, expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts to address the needs of rural communities. He noted that investments in infrastructure, such as rural roads, have improved access to markets and services, transforming the lives of residents in underserved areas. Mr. Voke Ighorodje, representing professional bodies, also commended the administration for its focus on education and healthcare, which he described as critical pillars of development.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the College of Commissioners, thanking Deltans for their sustained support and partnership. He emphasized that the administration’s success is closely tied to the contributions, feedback, and trust of the people. “This is why mechanisms such as public monitoring and feedback channels have been established to ensure that projects are delivered to standard,” Mr. Aniagwu added.
Implications for Delta State’s Future
The proposed ₦1 trillion budget for 2026 represents a significant milestone in Delta State’s journey toward sustainable development. By prioritizing capital expenditure, the administration is laying the foundation for long-term growth, with investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and private sector development. These initiatives are expected to create jobs, improve living standards, and position Delta State as a model for other states in Nigeria.
The focus on fiscal discipline and transparency is also noteworthy. In an era where public trust in government institutions is often eroded by mismanagement and corruption, Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to accountability sets a positive example. By reducing the state’s debt profile, increasing IGR, and involving citizens in the budget process, the administration is demonstrating that good governance is both possible and achievable.
However, the success of the 2026 budget will depend on effective implementation and sustained stakeholder engagement. While the 2025 budget performance provides a strong foundation, the scale of the proposed 2026 budget requires robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that funds are utilized effectively. The government will also need to address potential challenges, such as inflation, economic uncertainties, and the need to balance competing priorities, to achieve its goals.
Conclusion
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s announcement of a proposed ₦1 trillion budget for 2026 marks a bold step toward transforming Delta State into a hub of socio-economic and infrastructural development. By prioritizing capital expenditure, fostering transparency, and engaging citizens in the governance process, the administration is laying the groundwork for a prosperous future. The budget’s focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and private sector investment reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the state’s challenges and unlocking its potential.
As Delta State prepares to implement this ambitious financial plan, the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and accountability will be critical to its success. With the support of stakeholders and the active participation of citizens, the 2026 budget has the potential to deliver transformative outcomes, improving the lives of Deltans and setting a new standard for governance in Nigeria.
