In a detailed and transparent session at the Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday, the Honourable Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, defended the ministry’s proposed 2026 budget before the House Committee on Works and Special Projects. Far from being a routine administrative exercise, the Commissioner described the annual budget defence as a vital “scorecard session” that allows the ministry to account for its stewardship, justify the utilisation of previously approved funds, and articulate a clear roadmap for future infrastructure development in the state.
Speaking before the committee chaired by Honourable Oboro Preyor, Comrade Izeze emphasised that the budget defence process serves as an essential platform for accountability and legislative oversight. “Although it is officially called budget defence, it is simply the scorecard,” he told the lawmakers. “We come to this honourable House to present the report of our activities in the previous year, to demonstrate what we have achieved with the resources graciously approved by this Assembly, and to outline how we intend to deploy the new allocation in the service of Deltans.”
The Commissioner expressed profound appreciation to the committee for its consistent support and constructive engagement, noting that the partnership between the legislative and executive arms has been instrumental in driving the state’s aggressive infrastructure agenda forward.
Impressive Project Portfolio: 351 Projects Valued at ₦1.199 Trillion
Delivering what can only be described as a comprehensive performance report, Comrade Izeze revealed that between 29 May 2023 and 30 October 2025, the Ministry of Works (Highways and Urban Roads) successfully managed a total of 351 projects spread across all 25 local government areas of Delta State.
Of this impressive number, 262 projects were inherited from previous administrations, while 89 new ones were awarded under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Together, these initiatives represent a cumulative contractual value of ₦1.199 trillion and encompass an ambitious 1,143.3 kilometres of road construction and rehabilitation, as well as 639.02 square kilometres of drainage channels.
As of the reporting period, 199 projects — valued at ₦226.629 billion — have been fully completed and commissioned, delivering tangible improvements in urban mobility, traffic decongestion, and flood mitigation across the state. Meanwhile, 152 projects, with a combined value of ₦873.2 billion, remain ongoing, with many at advanced stages of completion.
The Commissioner underscored the transformative impact of these interventions, particularly in tackling perennial flooding, opening up rural communities, and enhancing the aesthetic and functional quality of urban centres. “These projects are not just about concrete and asphalt,” Izeze stated. “They are about easing the daily commute of our people, boosting commerce, and building resilience against climate-induced flooding.”
Financial Commitments and Payments in 2025
In a demonstration of fiscal discipline and commitment to contractors, the ministry disclosed that between January and November 2025 alone, a total of ₦156.76 billion was paid to contractors handling both completed and ongoing projects. These payments included obligations settled through Irrevocable Standing Payment Orders (ISPOs), ensuring that contractors remain motivated and projects stay on schedule.
2026 Budget Proposal and Emerging Challenges
Turning to the future, Comrade Izeze presented the ministry’s 2026 budget proposal, which includes a recurrent expenditure component of ₦690.226 billion — a modest increase from the 2025 figure, largely attributable to the recent adjustment in the national minimum wage and its ripple effects on personnel and overhead costs.
While expressing optimism about the year ahead, the Commissioner was candid about existing funding gaps. Unpaid certificates for certified works on ongoing and incomplete projects currently stand at ₦2.317 billion. Additionally, some project votes have been “grossly overspent” due to unforeseen escalations in the cost of construction materials and the impact of adverse weather conditions.
To mitigate pressure on the 2026 fiscal envelope, Izeze appealed for the prompt release of outstanding payments before the close of the current financial year and advocated for enhanced funding in strategic areas. He assured the committee that all estimates in the new proposal have been carefully calibrated to reflect prevailing global and local economic realities, while remaining fully aligned with the state’s Medium-Term Development Plan (2024–2027).
Concluding his presentation on a note of resolute commitment, the Commissioner declared: “I assure this Honourable Committee that the Ministry of Works (Highways and Urban Roads) remains irrevocably committed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s vision of a prosperous, well-connected, and flood-resilient Delta State. With your continued legislative support and oversight, we will deliver the critical infrastructure that will drive economic growth, create jobs, and significantly improve the quality of life for all Deltans.”
Committee’s Commendation and Next Steps
Responding to the presentation, the Chairman of the House Committee on Works and Special Projects, Honourable Oboro Preyor, warmly commended the ministry for what he described as “a commendable and people-centred performance that has endeared the ministry to the hearts of Deltans.” He praised the transparency exhibited and the visible impact of projects on ground across the state.
Hon. Preyor urged the Commissioner to sustain the current momentum and maintain the highest standards of diligence, accountability, and quality in project execution. In a proactive move, he directed the ministry to compile and submit a comprehensive list of all ongoing projects to facilitate the committee’s first-quarter oversight and inspection tour in 2026.
The session concluded with the formal receipt of the Ministry’s 2026 budget proposal by the committee for further legislative scrutiny, fine-tuning, and eventual passage.
The defence has once again underscored the Delta State government’s unwavering focus on infrastructure as a cornerstone of its MORE Agenda, signalling that 2026 will witness even greater strides in building a modern, resilient, and economically vibrant Delta State.
