Delta Lawmakers Pass ₦1.729 Trillion ‘MORE Agenda’ Budget
By PAULINA NZERUBE
Capital Spending Takes Centre Stage
THE Delta State legislature has approved a ₦1.729 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, signalling a strong emphasis on capital development. The appropriation bill was passed on Monday at plenary through a voice vote under the leadership of Speaker Dennis Guwor.
According to the report presented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mrs. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, the budget prioritises infrastructure and development, with ₦1.229 trillion allocated to capital expenditure, accounting for 70 per cent of total spending. Recurrent expenditure was pegged at ₦500 billion, representing the remaining 30 per cent.
The governor had initially proposed a ₦1.664 trillion budget on 26 November, but the Assembly approved a higher figure after adjustments linked to improved internally generated revenue projections and broader economic indicators.
Lawmakers described the budget as balanced and forward-looking, noting that disciplined implementation and sustained legislative oversight would be critical to achieving inclusive growth and improving living standards across the state. After the adoption and third reading of the bill, the Speaker commended members for the swift passage and ordered the transmission of the bill to Governor Oborevwori for assent.
