In a landmark fiscal presentation, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Thursday laid out a N936 billion budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year before the State House of Assembly, signaling the administration’s commitment to deepening socioeconomic transformation. The “Budget of Fiscal Consolidation” prioritizes capital expenditure at N587.36 billion (62.75%), while recurrent spending is pegged at N348.72 billion (37.25%).
The governor highlighted that the budget represents a 29% increase from the previous year’s N725 billion, primarily driven by a realignment of the exchange rate that bolstered FAAC allocations and a rise in internally generated revenues. Oborevwori remarked that “the 2025 budget contains several initiatives planned to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal,” acknowledging its significant impact on citizens. This strategic move aims to provide a buffer through enhanced social protection measures, infrastructure development, agricultural value chains, and support for small businesses.
The proposed expenditures reflect a forward-looking agenda for infrastructure and human development. The budget outlines N230 billion for road infrastructure, poised to connect rural and urban areas and bolster economic activities. In education, N67.42 billion has been set aside to enhance learning environments and promote access to quality education. Meanwhile, N30.55 billion will target health sector improvements, N11.03 billion is dedicated to water resources, and N7 billion is allocated for agriculture to ensure food security and economic stability.
Oborevwori emphasized the importance of prioritizing critical sectors such as health, education, agriculture, women and youth empowerment, water resources, and housing, noting that resource management would be approached with fiscal discipline. He appealed for prompt legislative approval to enable swift implementation, stating, “This administration remains committed to ensuring that every Delta citizen feels the impact of good governance through strategic investments and prudent spending.”
In a commendatory response, State Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor lauded the governor for his leadership and fiscal discipline, recalling his past efforts in returning over N500 million to state coffers as Speaker and saving N14 billion for local councils. Guwor praised Oborevwori’s emphasis on value-driven governance and urged the institutionalization of a pre-budget planning dialogue between the Executive and Legislature to optimize resource allocation.
Guwor further called for full cooperation from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies during the upcoming budget defense sessions, stressing that thorough scrutiny and transparency would ensure timely passage and effective implementation of the fiscal plan.
The budget motion was formally adopted following a proposal by House Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, seconded by Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola of Ika North East Constituency. The session was graced by dignitaries including State Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, and members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Abraham Ngobere, underscoring the significance of the presentation for the state’s economic and social trajectory.
The 2025 budget encapsulates a broad vision for job creation, wealth generation, poverty alleviation, and infrastructural transformation, setting an ambitious course for Delta State’s development. As deliberations continue, citizens will watch closely to see how these proposals translate into impactful changes in their daily lives and opportunities for growth across communities.
