Delta State took a major step toward accelerating its developmental blueprint on Wednesday as Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori presented a ₦1.664 trillion budget proposal for 2026, placing an unprecedented emphasis on infrastructure renewal and economic expansion.
The budget presentation, which held at the Assembly Complex in Asaba, marked a defining moment in the implementation of the governor’s MORE Agenda, coming at a time when the national economy shows promising signs of recovery.
In his address to lawmakers, Oborevwori said the fiscal proposal—tagged “Budget of Accelerating the More Agenda”—was crafted to consolidate ongoing reforms, cushion inflationary pressures, and expand opportunities for citizens as Nigeria anticipates a GDP growth rate of 3.9% in 2026.
The governor explained that the 2026 proposal focuses on strengthening the state’s foundations for inclusive growth by investing in physical structures, human development, public finance efficiency, and a robust social system. He noted that the budget sets aside ₦499 billion for recurrent obligations and a significantly higher ₦1.165 trillion for capital development.
Oborevwori projected that revenue inflows will be bolstered primarily by statutory allocations driven by rising oil receipts and post-subsidy adjustments. Delta State expects to receive ₦720 billion from the Federation Account, while reforms in tax collection are projected to push Internally Generated Revenue to ₦250 billion—an 86.5 percent jump from the previous year.
VAT earnings are estimated at ₦120 billion due to cleaner national tax administration. He added that capital receipts were deliberately trimmed to ₦25 billion as the state continues its zero-borrowing stance, while ₦489 billion is expected from recoveries and savings, which he described as evidence of prudent financial management.
In the expenditure breakdown, the governor disclosed that personnel costs would stand at ₦185 billion, overheads at ₦204 billion, and ₦110 billion dedicated to social benefits, pensions, and grants.
The Works Ministries—covering urban highways, rural roads, and riverine routes—are slated to receive a combined ₦450 billion, reflecting the administration’s resolve to improve connectivity across the state. The education sector is allocated ₦105.086 billion, while the health sector gets ₦50.067 billion to strengthen hospitals and primary healthcare centres across all senatorial districts.
To address urban pressure and flooding challenges, the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency will receive ₦20 billion, with another ₦20 billion directed to the Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency to sustain ongoing renewal projects. Agriculture, energy, and social protection are earmarked for ₦10 billion, ₦16 billion, and ₦20 billion respectively, while ₦100 billion will be channelled into direct interventions across the 25 LGAs.
The governor reaffirmed the state’s ongoing deployment of modern security solutions—including surveillance devices and unmanned aerial systems—and assured continued support to federal and state security formations.
Responding, Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor said the governor’s presentation underscores a shared commitment to service delivery, noting that the progress recorded across key sectors demonstrates the impact of the administration’s MORE Agenda. He praised the approval of CONLESS and the establishment of permanent structures for the Assembly Service Commission as notable steps in strengthening legislative capacity.
He assured that the House would conduct a detailed and timely review of the budget, maintaining that the Legislature remains steadfast in ensuring transparency, accountability, and equitable development across Delta State.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Emeke Nwaobi, moved the motion for adoption of the governor’s presentation, which was seconded by Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola.
With this, the 2026 Appropriation Bill has now been officially placed before the House for full legislative consideration.
