The Delta State Executive Council (EXCO) has taken significant steps toward shaping the state’s financial and infrastructural future by approving the fiscal framework for the 2026 Appropriation Bill and authorizing the construction of 10 new residential quarters for judges across the state. The decisions, made during a recent EXCO meeting in Asaba, chaired by Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, reflect the state’s commitment to strategic economic planning and enhancing the welfare of its judicial officers.
Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, the State Commissioner for Economic Planning, briefed journalists on the outcomes of the meeting, highlighting the approval of critical fiscal documents essential for the preparation of the 2026 budget. These documents include the economic fiscal update, fiscal policy strategy, and the budget policy statement, which are mandated by law and form the foundation for the state’s budgeting process. According to Ekedayen, these documents provide a structured framework to guide the state’s financial planning for the upcoming fiscal year. “Before any budget process begins, there must be a set of assumptions, and those are what the Executive Council considered and approved today,” he explained.
The approved fiscal framework is built on macroeconomic assumptions aligned with national parameters established by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). This alignment ensures uniformity across states, facilitating the integration of sub-national budgets into a cohesive national economic framework. Ekedayen outlined the key assumptions for the 2026 fiscal year, which include an oil production target of 1.7 million barrels per day, an exchange rate of ₦1,500 to $1, a GDP growth rate of 3.4%, and an inflation rate of 23%. These figures will serve as the guiding benchmarks for the Ministry of Economic Planning as it develops the 2026 budget proposal. The approved documents will now be transmitted to the Delta State House of Assembly for legislative review and enactment, enabling the formal budget preparation process to commence.
Ekedayen emphasized the significance of the approval, noting that it marks the official start of the 2026 budget season for Delta State. “Today’s approval signals the beginning of the new budget season,” he stated, underscoring the importance of adhering to a structured and legally compliant process to ensure effective financial planning. The budget, once fully developed, will undergo further scrutiny by the EXCO before being presented to the State House of Assembly for final approval and passage into law. This multi-stage process reflects the state’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline in managing public resources.
In addition to the fiscal approvals, the EXCO also greenlit a significant infrastructure project aimed at improving the welfare of judicial officers. Hon. Godknows Angele, the State Commissioner for Housing, announced that the council approved the construction of 10 new residential quarters for judges in Asaba, Warri, and Osubi. This initiative is part of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s broader vision to ensure equitable treatment across all arms of government—executive, legislature, and judiciary. “His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, believes in balancing all arms of government,” Angele said, highlighting the administration’s commitment to supporting the judiciary’s operational needs.
The new judges’ quarters will consist of four-bedroom duplexes designed to provide comfort and security for judicial officers. Five of these residences will be constructed in Asaba, the state capital, while the remaining five will be built in Warri and Osubi. Angele clarified that this project is a new construction effort, not a renovation, and represents the first phase of a broader plan to enhance judicial infrastructure. “We already have commissioners’ and legislative quarters in Asaba. It was therefore necessary to provide befitting accommodation for our judges,” he noted. The residences will be located within designated judicial residential clusters, ensuring a secure and conducive environment for judges to live and work.
The decision to prioritize judges’ housing underscores the Oborevwori administration’s recognition of the judiciary’s critical role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice in Delta State. By providing modern, purpose-built accommodations, the government aims to create an environment that supports judicial officers in carrying out their duties effectively. Angele emphasized that the project is part of a deliberate effort to ensure the judiciary operates in a setting that promotes efficiency, safety, and well-being. “This is a new construction and not renovation. It is part of our administration’s effort to ensure the judiciary functions in a conducive and secure environment,” he added.
The approval of the judges’ quarters aligns with the state’s broader infrastructure development goals, which seek to address critical needs across various sectors. The project is expected to enhance the quality of life for judicial officers, boost their morale, and contribute to the overall efficiency of the judicial system in Delta State. By investing in such infrastructure, the government is signaling its commitment to strengthening the institutions that underpin good governance and public trust.
The EXCO’s decisions on the 2026 budget framework and the judges’ quarters reflect a dual focus on fiscal responsibility and institutional support. The budget framework lays the groundwork for a financially prudent and forward-looking 2026 fiscal year, while the housing project demonstrates a commitment to improving the welfare of public servants, particularly those in the judiciary. Together, these initiatives highlight the Oborevwori administration’s priorities of economic stability, infrastructural development, and equitable governance.
As the budget preparation process moves forward, the Ministry of Economic Planning will work closely with other stakeholders to ensure that the 2026 Appropriation Bill reflects the state’s developmental aspirations and addresses the needs of its citizens. The fiscal assumptions approved by the EXCO provide a realistic foundation for this process, taking into account both national economic trends and Delta State’s unique priorities. Similarly, the construction of the judges’ quarters will proceed as part of a phased approach to judicial infrastructure development, with the potential for further expansions in the future.
The approvals made during the EXCO meeting mark a significant step toward achieving Delta State’s goals for 2026 and beyond. By laying a solid fiscal foundation and investing in critical infrastructure, the state is positioning itself to address both immediate and long-term challenges. The transmission of the fiscal documents to the State House of Assembly and the commencement of the judges’ quarters construction are tangible milestones in this journey. As these initiatives progress, they are expected to contribute to economic growth, institutional strengthening, and improved quality of life for Delta State residents.
In conclusion, the Delta State Executive Council’s recent decisions underscore a strategic approach to governance that balances economic planning with infrastructural development. The approval of the 2026 budget framework sets the stage for a robust financial plan, while the construction of judges’ quarters reflects a commitment to supporting the judiciary as a vital pillar of democracy. These actions demonstrate the state’s proactive efforts to foster sustainable development, enhance public institutions, and ensure equitable treatment across all arms of government. As Delta State moves forward with these initiatives, it is poised to achieve significant progress in its quest for inclusive and effective governance.
