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By Stephen — Dalena Reporters
November 26, 2025
The government of Delta State on Wednesday unveiled a sweeping ₦1.664 trillion appropriation proposal for the 2026 fiscal year, committing a striking 70 percent of the budget to capital expenditure as part of what Governor Sheriff Oborevwori described as the “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda.”
Presented at the State House of Assembly in Asaba, the plan earmarks ₦499 billion (30%) for recurrent expenditures — covering salaries, overheads, social benefits and standard operations — while a robust ₦1.165 trillion will be directed into capital projects. The governor said the budget reflects confidence in Nigeria’s improving macroeconomic outlook, citing a projected national GDP growth of 3.9 percent in 2026 as a backdrop for expected growth across the state.
Under the proposal, Delta State’s revenue sources are projected to include about ₦720 billion from statutory allocations and derivation receipts (mineral-based revenue), ₦250 billion from strengthened internally generated revenue (IGR), ₦120 billion from Value Added Tax remittances, ₦25 billion from capital receipts, and ₦489 billion from savings and recovered oil revenues. The governor emphasized that the state aims to preserve a “zero-borrowing posture,” showing a commitment to fiscal prudence and avoiding additional debt burdens.
Key sector allocations reveal the government’s priorities: the Ministry of Works will receive ₦450 billion to fast-track the building and rehabilitation of urban highways, rural and riverine roads across all local government areas. Education is slated for ₦105.086 billion to enhance access and quality across basic, technical, and tertiary institutions, while the health sector gets ₦50.067 billion to upgrade primary-healthcare centres, general hospitals, and tertiary facilities. Other allocations include ₦10 billion for agriculture, ₦16 billion for energy and electrification projects, ₦20 billion for social protection programmes, plus ₦100 billion reserved for direct interventions to local governments (about ₦4 billion per council across 25 LGAs) aimed at grassroots development.
The budget also includes funding for expanding urban infrastructure via the State Capital Territory Development Agency and the Warri/Uvwie & Environs Development Agency — earmarking ₦20 billion each — specifically to address flooding, urban renewal, road construction, and flyover projects in Asaba and Delta’s major oil city, Warri. On security, the administration pledged modernisation through drone surveillance, advanced surveillance systems, strengthened vigilante networks, and enhanced logistical support for security agencies to bolster public safety across the state.
Governor Oborevwori urged the state legislature to expedite consideration of the appropriation bill, underscoring the administration’s ambition to deepen infrastructure renewal, social welfare, economic reforms, and human capital development — all while maintaining fiscal discipline and avoiding new borrowing. Proponents say if implemented, this budget could mark a transformative turning point for Delta, potentially spurring job creation, improved service delivery, and sustainable economic growth.