Asaba, Delta State – In a landmark move aimed at accelerating socio-economic transformation, Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Wednesday presented a proposed Appropriation Bill totaling N1.664 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year to the Delta State House of Assembly. Dubbed the “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda,” the financial blueprint places an unprecedented emphasis on capital expenditure, allocating a robust 70 percent – equivalent to N1.165 trillion – to infrastructure and developmental projects, while 30 percent (N499 billion) is set aside for recurrent spending.
The presentation, which took place in the hallowed chambers of the Delta State House of Assembly Complex in Asaba, was conducted in strict compliance with Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Governor Oborevwori, a former Speaker of the House himself, used the occasion to outline a vision anchored on inclusive growth, human capital development, infrastructure renewal, enhanced security, and prudent fiscal management.
Speaking before lawmakers, the governor situated the 2026 budget within the context of an improving national economic outlook. He cited projections of 3.9 percent GDP growth for Nigeria in 2026, driven by rising oil revenues, the lingering positive effects of fuel subsidy removal, stabilizing monetary policies, ongoing tax reforms, and renewed federal commitment to tackling insecurity. These factors, he said, have created a conducive environment for states like Delta to pursue aggressive developmental goals without resorting to excessive borrowing.
A defining feature of the proposal is the dramatic shift toward capital investment. The N1.165 trillion earmarked for capital projects represents a staggering 70 percent increase compared to the 2025 budget, underscoring the administration’s determination to complete ongoing transformational projects and initiate new ones that will have far-reaching impact on the lives of Deltans.
On the revenue side, the governor expressed confidence in substantial improvements. Statutory allocations, including 13 percent mineral derivation, are projected to reach N720 billion – accounting for 43.28 percent of total anticipated revenue and reflecting a 23.75 percent increase over the previous year. Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is expected to surge by 86.5 percent to N250 billion, thanks to professionalized collection mechanisms, digitalization, and an expanded tax net that remains citizen-friendly.
Value Added Tax (VAT) remittances are forecasted at N120 billion, buoyed by enhanced national administration of the tax regime. Notably, the administration has deliberately minimized capital receipts to just N25 billion as part of its zero-borrowing policy, while anticipating N489 billion from recovered savings and additional oil-related revenues. Governor Oborevwori described this approach as evidence of “fiscal discipline, transparency, and prudence” that has characterized his tenure under the MORE (Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security) Agenda.
In the recurrent expenditure column, personnel emoluments are pegged at N185 billion, overhead costs at N204 billion, and a further N110 billion for social benefits, grants, and contributions. The governor stressed that these figures take cognizance of prevailing inflationary pressures while reaffirming an unwavering commitment to the welfare of civil servants and pensioners.
Sectoral allocations reveal the administration’s strategic priorities. The Ministries of Works (Urban Highways) and Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) will jointly receive a colossal N450 billion to fast-track construction and rehabilitation of strategic road networks across the state’s three senatorial districts. This massive investment is expected to ease transportation bottlenecks, boost commerce, and open up rural communities long neglected.
Education, a perennial cornerstone of the MORE Agenda, has been allocated N105.086 billion to expand access to functional and qualitative learning, upgrade facilities, and empower teachers. The health sector follows closely with N50.067 billion targeted at revitalizing 441 primary healthcare centers, 65 general hospitals, and the state’s three tertiary institutions.
Urban development receives focused attention as well. The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency is slated for N20 billion to tackle perennial flooding, expand drainage systems, and modernize infrastructure in Asaba, the state capital. A matching N20 billion goes to the Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency, where ongoing flyover bridges and road dualization projects are dramatically reshaping the once-congested oil city.
Agriculture, energy, and social protection are not left behind. Ten billion naira is dedicated to boosting food security through mechanization, youth-in-agriculture schemes, and agro-industrial investments. Another N16 billion will strengthen independent power projects and the forthcoming multi-grid electricity template. Social intervention programs designed to lift vulnerable citizens out of poverty will receive N20 billion, while a landmark N100 billion has been set aside for direct local government interventions – translating to an average of N4 billion per each of Delta State’s 25 local government areas.
Security remains a top priority. Governor Oborevwori reiterated plans to deploy drones, artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance systems, and other cutting-edge technologies, alongside sustained logistical and financial support to federal security agencies and state-backed Operation Delta Hawk.
In his closing remarks, the governor commended the House for its harmonious working relationship and urged expeditious consideration and passage of the bill to maintain developmental momentum. He renewed his administration’s pledge to deliver “a stronger, more prosperous, peaceful, and equitable Delta where no one and no place is left behind.”
Earlier, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, in a warmly received welcome address, described the budget presentation as a reaffirmation of the social contract between the government and the people. He lauded Governor Oborevwori’s landmark achievements, including iconic flyovers in Effurun and Warri, hundreds of kilometers of roads and drains, renovated schools, upgraded hospitals, youth and women empowerment schemes, and timely payment of salaries, promotions, and pensions. The Speaker also acknowledged the governor’s approval of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) and the ongoing construction of a befitting Secretariat for the House of Assembly Service Commission.
Assuring swift legislative action, Speaker Guwor emphasized that the 8th Assembly remains irrevocably committed to accountability, transparency, and people-centered governance.
Immediately after the presentation, the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeke Nwaobi, moved a motion for the House to receive and adopt the governor’s address, which was seconded by Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, Chairperson of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriations. With the budget now formally laid before the House, legislative scrutiny, public hearings, and clause-by-clause consideration are expected to commence in earnest.
If passed as proposed, the 2026 Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda will represent one of the most ambitious fiscal instruments in Delta State’s history, poised to consolidate gains recorded in the last two and a half years and propel the state toward sustainable prosperity in the years ahead.
