Asaba, Delta State — Delta State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Onoriode Agofure, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, appeared before the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Transport to present and defend his ministry’s proposed 2026 budget. The committee is chaired by Hon. Festus Chukwuyem Okoh, the Deputy Majority Leader and member representing Ika South Constituency.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the session, Hon. Akpofure outlined the ministry’s ongoing projects, challenges, and future plans aimed at improving transportation infrastructure across the state.
Hon. Agofure revealed that several key transport facilities are currently under construction, calling on members of the public and stakeholders to visit the sites for firsthand assessment.
He said:
“The infrastructure is still being constructed. I urge you to go to the new station being built between the Ministry of Works and ShopRite to see the level of progress. Another station is also underway in Warri, at the Naija Cat Junction.
Once these stations are fully completed, we can begin discussions on how to reduce transportation costs for Deltans—for instance, through the provision of combustion kits for transport operators.”
According to him, such interventions will allow the government to negotiate lower transport fares for residents.
Responding to questions about whether Delta State may soon develop its own railway system, the Commissioner noted that discussions are still at an early stage.
“Delta is big enough to have an entire railway station. We are still dreaming about it and holding prospective discussions with stakeholders.
Since railway matters have just been moved from the federal government to the states, it may take time—just like when electricity was devolved. But it is definitely something we may look into in the future.”
The Commissioner also confirmed that the Ministry of Transport exceeded its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target for 2025, moving from the expected ₦200 million to over ₦300 million.
He attributed this growth to diligence, innovation, and strict monitoring:
“The magic is hard work, monitoring, supervision, and technology.
His Excellency charged us not to rely solely on FAAC and oil revenues. That directive motivated my directors and the entire ministry to improve revenue generation.
Hon. Agofure announced that the ministry will roll out advanced technological systems to enhance transportation management and revenue enforcement. Among these is the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, which detects vehicles that fail to renew their papers.
Sharing a personal example, he said:
“A staff member in my office didn’t renew his vehicle papers on time. The ANPR camera captured his number plate and fined him automatically.
When he approached me, I told him it wasn’t me—it was the computer. His papers had expired, so he paid the fine.
These are some of the solutions and technologies we’re introducing in Delta.”
The Commissioner further hinted at additional digital innovations expected to roll out in 2026 alongside the expansion of CNG-powered buses.
The House Committee on Transport commended the Commissioner for his clarity and transparency, urging the ministry to continue improving transportation infrastructure and innovative revenue systems across the state.
