On December 16, 2025, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori signed into law the state's 2026 Appropriation Bill, valued at N1,729,881,208,779 and titled the “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda.” The signing ceremony, held at Government House in Asaba, also included assent to three additional bills passed by the Delta State House of Assembly: the Delta State Social Investment Programme Law 2025, the Delta State Colleges of Education Law 2025, and the Delta State Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism (Amendment) Law 2025.
This landmark event paves the way for accelerated infrastructure development, bolstered social welfare programs, enhanced educational standards, and strengthened security measures across the oil-rich state. The budget represents a substantial increase of over 70 percent from the 2025 appropriation, reflecting the administration's emphasis on capital-intensive projects amid improving revenue projections.
During the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori described the 2026 budget as “not merely a compilation of figures, but a blueprint of vision, actionable plans, and tangible deliverables for the coming year.” He assured residents that his administration would “hit the ground running” in January 2026 to fast-track progress in priority sectors, including roads, healthcare, education, and human capital development. With 70 percent (approximately N1.211 trillion) allocated to capital expenditure and 30 percent to recurrent spending, the budget underscores a deliberate shift toward infrastructure-led growth and long-term sustainability.
Oborevwori highlighted the achievability of the ambitious estimate, citing gains from 2025 reforms in internally generated revenue (IGR), fiscal discipline, and increased federal allocations without imposing new tax burdens on citizens. These measures, he said, have fortified the state's economic base, enabling bolder investments in development.
The governor elaborated on the accompanying laws, emphasizing their role in reinforcing the MORE (Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enduring Peace) Agenda. The Delta State Social Investment Programme Law 2025 establishes a robust legal framework for targeted interventions aimed at vulnerable populations. It promotes equitable, non-discriminatory access to resources and services at the grassroots level, institutionalizing initiatives to alleviate poverty and foster inclusive growth.
The Delta State Colleges of Education Law 2025 standardizes operations across state-owned tertiary institutions for teacher training. It empowers these colleges to concurrently award the Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree programs in education, expanding their capacity to produce more qualified educators. This reform addresses disparities among institutions and aligns with national efforts to improve teacher quality and educational outcomes.
The Delta State Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism (Amendment) Law 2025 updates the existing framework to better combat emerging threats. It provides clearer definitions of cultism, prohibits terrorism and related activities, and enhances prosecution mechanisms. Governor Oborevwori noted that the amendments align state laws with contemporary security challenges, closing previous gaps and equipping law enforcement with stronger tools.
Oborevwori extended commendations to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, the leadership, members, clerk, and staff of the House of Assembly for their expeditious and thorough handling of the bills. He praised the harmonious executive-legislative relationship, crediting it for timely legislative outputs. The governor also acknowledged contributions from stakeholders, cabinet members, civil servants, and citizens, while extending seasonal greetings for a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.
Earlier, Speaker Guwor remarked that the passage of the four bills followed extensive consultations, rigorous debates, and meticulous scrutiny, fulfilling the Assembly's constitutional duties. He described the Social Investment Programme Law as a mechanism to safeguard vulnerable citizens and advance social justice. The Colleges of Education Law, he added, creates a unified structure to elevate teacher training standards and eliminate institutional inequalities.
On security, Guwor explained that the Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism Amendment addresses evolving threats, including refined definitions to aid enforcement. Regarding the budget, he affirmed that the House conducted sector-by-sector reviews to ensure alignment with the MORE Agenda, resulting in a people-centered and realistic fiscal plan.
The N1.729 trillion budget, adjusted upward from the initial N1.664 trillion proposal presented in November 2025, incorporates enhancements in capital allocations, particularly for works and infrastructure. This increase reflects optimistic revenue forecasts driven by national economic recovery and state-specific reforms.
Overall, the assent to these laws signals a comprehensive approach to governance in Delta State, balancing economic ambition with social equity and security. The measures are expected to drive sustainable development, empower communities, improve education, and deter crime, contributing to a more prosperous and peaceful state in 2026 and beyond.
