Asaba, Delta State — November 10, 2025: The Delta State Ministry of Economic Planning has commenced the inter-ministerial budget defence for the proposed 2026 state budget, with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) appearing before a review committee at the State Secretariat in Asaba.
Speaking during the opening session, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Hon. Sonny Ekedayen, said the exercise is a key stage in the state’s annual budgeting process, aimed at ensuring that proposed expenditures align with the development priorities and the MORE Agenda of the administration.
Ekedayen explained that the defence allows MDAs to justify how they intend to utilise the funds allocated to them:
“The inter-ministerial budget defence is one of the activities that precede the budget preparation. Ministries are given revenue allocations to carry out their activities and are expected to explain how these resources will be used,” he said.
He added that the committee reviews each ministry’s proposed projects to ensure they align with the state’s development vision.
“We must be sure that the activities they plan are in line with the objectives of the government under the MORE Agenda. Where adjustments are needed, they will be made before the budget is finalised and sent to the House of Assembly.”
Responding to questions on the total size of the 2026 budget, the Commissioner said the figures were still being compiled.
“It is premature to release the budget size now. The document is still under review and will go through the Executive Council and other necessary stages. However, what I can say is that the 2026 budget will be larger than that of 2025, because revenue streams are improving,” he stated.
Ekedayen highlighted areas expected to receive significant funding in the coming fiscal year:
- Education:
The state runs universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, colleges of health technology, technical schools, and over 1,000 primary and secondary schools, making education a major expenditure sector. - Infrastructure Development:
Road construction, drainage works, and urban renewal projects are ongoing across the state, and “significant allocation will continue in these areas.” - Social Protection:
Support programs for vulnerable households will be strengthened to cushion economic pressures. - Electricity and Energy Development:
The Commissioner noted that Delta is positioning itself to leverage its energy generation capacity, following the passage of the Delta State Electricity Law:
“The government will create an enabling environment for investors in the electricity sector. Delta has an energy advantage, with at least four major power plants supplying the national grid.”
The Ministry will finalise the reviewed submissions before the draft budget is forwarded to the State Executive Council and subsequently to the Delta State House of Assembly for approval.
