Delta’s Liquidity Lead: Tilije Points to Revenue Growth & Debt Restraint

DELTA State’s Commissioner for Finance, Sir Fidelis Okenmor Tilije, says the state has secured the top position in liquidity rating among Nigeria’s 36 states, crediting fiscal discipline and stronger revenue generation for the reported achievement.

He made the disclosure during a meeting with officials and staff of the Ministry of Finance in Asaba. The commissioner used the meeting to explain how the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori intends to balance public spending, infrastructure delivery and financial stability.

According to Tilije, the government’s approach centres on managing available resources carefully, expanding revenue sources and avoiding unnecessary borrowing.

No New Debt for 2026 Procurement & Projects

Tilije said Delta was financing its 2026 procurement cycle while continuing major projects in roads, bridges, healthcare and education without contracting new debt.

He attributed this approach to reforms under the M.O.R.E Agenda, which he said emphasised responsible borrowing and efficient public financial management.

Rather than rely on additional loans, the commissioner explained, the government was seeking to meet its development commitments through available resources. This strategy, he argued, would help limit debt accumulation while maintaining spending on priority projects.

Furthermore, he identified fiscal discipline as a key factor behind the state’s reported liquidity performance, although the specific ranking and its underlying methodology were not provided in the statement.

Improved Revenue Collection Supports Fiscal Stability

In addition to controlling borrowing, the state has pursued measures to strengthen its internally generated revenue, Tilije said.

He pointed to non-oil economic activities and reforms to revenue collection as important contributors. According to him, the government has worked to professionalise collection processes, expand the tax net, improve compliance and eliminate leakages.

Importantly, Tilije stressed that the reported growth in IGR did not stem from higher tax rates. Instead, he attributed the improvement to better administration and efforts to capture revenue that might otherwise go uncollected.

With a broader and more efficient revenue base, the government expects to improve its ability to fund public services and development programmes.

The commissioner added that officials were preparing new empowerment initiatives designed to be more economically viable. These programmes, he said, would aim to strengthen livelihoods and expand opportunities for residents.

Regular Salaries & Health Services Feature in Government’s Record

On public-sector welfare, Tilije said Delta maintained a consistent salary-payment schedule for more than 60,000 workers, with payments usually made between the 24th and 25th of each month.

He also cited the institutionalisation of the 13th-month salary as a measure intended to support public servants.

Beyond the workforce, the commissioner highlighted free medical services for pregnant women and children under five at government hospitals. He added that the administration was also pursuing upgrades to primary healthcare centres across the state.

These measures, he said, formed part of the government’s wider commitment to human capital development alongside infrastructure investment.

Tilije Seeks Support for Administration’s Next Phase

Looking ahead, the commissioner pledged that the government would maintain its focus on prudent spending, infrastructure development and investment in people. He described responsible resource management as central to the delivery of the M.O.R.E Agenda.

He also urged residents to support Oborevwori’s bid for re-election in 2027. According to Tilije, another term would allow the administration to build on its achievements and continue its development plans.

Nevertheless, independently assessing the state’s claimed liquidity lead would require the underlying ranking, its publication date and the financial indicators used to compare all 36 states. The commissioner’s remarks set out the government’s position, while those supporting details would help establish the scale and basis of the reported achievement.