Sheriff Oborevwori
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said the state government is proposing a budget of over ₦1 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year to consolidate the socio-economic and infrastructural development drive of his administration.
Governor Oborevwori made this known on Thursday during the state government’s citizens’ engagement on the preparation of the 2026 budget, held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
Represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, the Governor explained that 67 per cent of the budget estimate would be allocated to capital expenditure, while 33 per cent would go to recurrent expenditure.
He said the projected distribution was designed to channel more resources into infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other developmental projects, while also sustaining obligations such as workers’ salaries and the running costs of governance.
Emphasising that the capital focus underscored his administration’s priority on growth and development, Governor Oborevwori reiterated his commitment to accountability, transparency, and prudent management of public resources.
“This gathering is not only a moment for reflection, but also a platform to share the progress of our administration, reaffirm our commitment to transparency, and present our vision for the future.
“Over the past two years, this administration has worked tirelessly to ensure fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability in governance.
“We have put in place stringent financial control measures, reduced waste, and ensured that every kobo spent by government delivers value to our people.
“Through prudent financial management, our public debt profile has been reduced significantly, creating room for more sustainable growth and development. One of the key achievements of this administration is in revenue generation.
“Without imposing additional taxes or creating undue burdens on citizens, we have expanded our revenue base by improving compliance, blocking leakages, and widening the tax net.
“Internally Generated Revenue has grown consistently, ensuring that government can fund critical projects without over-reliance on federal allocations. This fiscal responsibility has translated into tangible development across the state.”
On agriculture and private sector investment, Ekedayen disclosed that initiatives were underway to develop carbon markets, expand agricultural opportunities, and provide land to encourage private investment.
Reviewing the performance of the 2025 budget, he said the state had performed creditably, achieving 69 per cent implementation of the capital budget and 86 per cent of the recurrent budget.
“We are hopeful and confident that the trend will continue until the end of the year as more payments are being processed and more deliveries are being taken,” he stated.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the College of Commissioners, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, thanked Deltans for their sustained support and partnership with the state government.
He stressed that the administration’s success was tied to citizens’ contributions, feedback, and trust, assuring that transparency and accountability would remain central in project execution.
“This is why mechanisms such as public monitoring and feedback channels have been established to ensure that projects are delivered to standard,” Aniagwu added.
Representatives of civil society organisations, community leaders, and professional bodies, including Mr. Rex Anighoro, Prince Igwe, and Mr. Voke Ighorodje, commended the Oborevwori’s administration for its people-oriented policies and programmes.
They noted that the engagement was a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to transparency and participatory governance, stressing that by involving stakeholders in the budget process, policies and projects would continue to reflect the true needs of the people.
