Delta State Targets Inclusive Growth With ₦1.664 Trillion 2026 Budget

DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday presented a ₦1.664 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Delta State House of Assembly, underscoring a robust 70 per cent allocation to capital expenditure aimed at accelerating infrastructure, socio-economic development, and human capital growth.

The budget, christened “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda,” represents a 70 per cent increase over the 2025 appropriation, signaling a bold push to expand critical sectors and consolidate the state’s development gains.

Governor Oborevwori projected that Delta State’s revenue would be buoyed by improved federal allocations following the removal of the fuel subsidy, along with strengthened internally generated revenue (IGR) initiatives. Key projections include:

• Statutory allocations (including derivation): ₦720 billion (43.28 per cent of total revenue; +23.75 per cent from 2025)

• IGR: ₦250 billion (+86.5 per cent growth), through professionalized revenue collection and expanded tax base

• VAT remittances: ₦120 billion

• Capital receipts: ₦25 billion, maintaining a zero-borrowing stance

• Savings and oil recoveries: ₦489 billion

On the expenditure side, ₦499 billion (30 per cent) is earmarked for recurrent spending—covering personnel, overheads, and social contributions—while ₦1.165 trillion (70 per cent) is dedicated to capital projects. Personnel costs are estimated at ₦185 billion, overheads at ₦204 billion, and ₦110 billion set aside for social benefits.

Governor Oborevwori highlighted the budget’s strategic focus:

• Roads & Infrastructure: ₦450 billion for urban highways, rural and riverine roads

• Education: ₦105.086 billion to improve access and quality of learning

• Health: ₦50.067 billion for facilities across primary, secondary, and tertiary centres

• Urban Development: ₦20 billion each for Asaba and Warri development agencies

• Agriculture: ₦10 billion to boost food security and agro-investments

• Energy: ₦16 billion for electricity supply via multi-grid systems

• Social Protection: ₦20 billion for poverty alleviation initiatives

• Direct LG interventions: ₦100 billion (₦4 billion per local government area)

The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing security through advanced technology, including drones and surveillance systems, alongside sustained support to security agencies.

Speaking during the presentation, Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor described the budget as a reflection of government’s covenant with the people, praising the governor’s achievements under the MORE Agenda, including flyovers, roads, healthcare and education expansion, and empowerment initiatives.

He further commended the governor for approving the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) and initiating the construction of permanent offices for the Assembly Service Commission.

The House promptly began legislative consideration of the budget, with Majority Leader Hon. Emeke Nwaobi moving for adoption, seconded by Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, Chairperson of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriations.

Governor Oborevwori urged lawmakers to expedite the approval process, emphasizing that the 2026 budget is a roadmap to a prosperous, secure, and inclusive Delta State, where no one is left behind.