Oborevwori Shifts Delta’s Fiscal Focus To Infrastructure As Government Reports ₦400 Billion Debt Reduction
DELTA State Government says it has reduced its legacy debt from ₦463 billion to ₦63 billion, representing a reduction of ₦400 billion. It has also set the first quarter of 2027 as its target for clearing the outstanding balance.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, disclosed this during the state’s 2026 budget stakeholders’ engagement in Asaba on Friday. He attributed the reported reduction to the administration’s approach to financial management and the responsible use of public resources.
According to Ekedayen, the achievement reflects Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to improving the state’s financial position. He maintained that prudent management would remain central to the government’s fiscal decisions as it prepares the 2027 budget.
Government Places Infrastructure at the Centre of 2027 Budget
Beyond debt reduction, the commissioner identified roads and critical infrastructure as major priorities for the proposed 2027 budget. He explained that the government intends to use public investment to stimulate economic growth and improve access to communities across Delta State.
In addition, Ekedayen said the state’s current expenditure structure allocates approximately 70 per cent to capital projects and 30 per cent to recurrent expenditure. He indicated that the proposed 2027 budget would sustain this emphasis on capital spending while keeping recurrent expenditure at a smaller proportion.
The proposed allocation structure therefore places infrastructure and other development projects at the centre of the administration’s spending priorities. However, the government’s ability to sustain those investments will also depend on how it manages the outstanding debt and other financial obligations.
Agriculture & Community Access in Development Plans
The government’s stated infrastructure priorities also connect with its broader development objectives, particularly improved access to communities and economic growth. Roads and other critical facilities can support movement, trade and access to essential services.
Agriculture also featured among the development priorities highlighted in the reports on the proposed 2027 fiscal year. Nevertheless, the commissioner’s remarks, as supplied, did not identify specific agricultural projects, funding allocations or implementation timelines.
Consequently, the proposed budget will provide a clearer indication of how the government intends to translate its stated priorities into funded programmes.
Asagba Calls for Citizens’ Participation
At the stakeholders’ engagement, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, stressed the importance of citizens’ participation in the budget preparation process.
He commended the state government for its reported budget performance and underscored the need for residents to take an active interest in decisions concerning public resources.
His position highlights the importance of involving communities and other stakeholders in identifying development needs and assessing government priorities. Moreover, meaningful participation can strengthen public understanding of budget decisions and encourage greater accountability in the use of public funds.
Civil Society Groups Welcome Proposed Housing Legislation
Similarly, civil society organisations at the event welcomed plans by the Delta State House of Assembly to introduce legislation regulating housing issues.
Speaking on behalf of the organisations, Mr. Odugala commended the proposed legislative initiative. He also urged residents to protect public facilities and maintain environmental cleanliness, arguing that citizens must complement government investments.
According to him, government cannot continue to build infrastructure only for residents to destroy the facilities. He stressed that public infrastructure requires collective protection if communities are to enjoy lasting benefits from development projects.
Odugala also praised the state government for introducing the 13th-month salary. He described the initiative as a significant milestone.
Balancing Public Investment with Citizens’ Responsibility
The discussions at the engagement brought together several issues shaping Delta State’s fiscal and development agenda. While the government highlighted its reported ₦400 billion reduction in legacy debt and its intention to clear the remaining ₦63 billion by early 2027, it also outlined infrastructure and agriculture as important areas for future investment.
At the same time, the Asagba and civil society representatives drew attention to public participation, housing regulation and the protection of government facilities.
Ultimately, the proposed 2027 budget will show how the administration intends to balance debt obligations, capital investment and recurrent expenditure. Equally important will be the involvement of citizens in budget decisions and their responsibility to preserve the infrastructure provided for public use.
