Asaba, November 11, 2026 — The Director General of the Warri/Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency (WUEDA), Hon. Prince Godwin Eguriase Ejinyere, on Wednesday defended the agency’s proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year before the Ministry of Economic Planning at the State Secretariat in Asaba.
Speaking to journalists after the defence session, Ejinyere expressed appreciation for the improved budgetary allocation to the agency compared to the previous year, but noted that rising inflation and fluctuating prices of materials across the country remain a challenge to project execution.
“Funding provided for us this year is better than what we had last year, but it is still not enough because of the rising cost of materials,” he said. “Today, the price of a product could be one figure, and tomorrow it could change completely. However, the new allocation is significantly better, and we hope to make the best use of it.”
The WUEDA Director General described the outgoing year as productive, listing a series of key stormwater and road rehabilitation projects undertaken by the agency to mitigate flooding and improve urban mobility in the Warri-Uvwie axis.
Among the major works highlighted was the Stormwater Management Project, which he said is ongoing and performing according to expectations.
He also drew attention to the construction and completion of 1st Marine Gate Road and Ugbuwangue-Refinery Junction Road, which had previously posed serious mobility hardships to residents, motorists, and businesses.
“That road had been a nightmare for years, but it has now been completed under the directive of the Governor, and people are enjoying it,” Ejinyere stated.
Ejinyere explained that flood control interventions around the Airport Road axis of Warri are ongoing, covering areas such as Bendel Estate and other adjoining communities that had suffered waterlogging for several years.
He emphasised that the state government is prioritising solutions rather than sentiments.
“We are taking the flood-prone areas in phases. You cannot fix every place at once. Even the Federal Government works in phases. Once we complete the current phase, we will move to the next,” he said.
The DG commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for improved peace and security in Warri and Uvwie, attributing the drop in crime rates to increased youth engagement, jobs, business support, and urban renewal efforts.
“The crime rate has dropped drastically because many people are now engaged one way or the other. The government is doing everything possible to make Warri great again,” he added.
While noting that some details of the 2026 project list are still being finalised, Ejinyere assured the public that the agency’s focus will remain on: Stormwater drainage expansion, Flood control and remediation, Road access improvement, Community environmental safety and urban renewal
“We have been assured that the necessary support will come. Our priority is to continue solving the problems facing our people, step by step,” he concluded.
The proposed budget is expected to undergo further review before being included in the draft 2026 Appropriation Bill to be sent to the State House of Assembly for approval.
