Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Delta State House of Assembly, declaring that the state is witnessing steady economic progress, improved revenue generation, and massive infrastructure renewal under his administration.
Speaking during the budget presentation at the Assembly complex in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori said the 2026 budget was designed to sustain growth, deepen infrastructural development, strengthen social welfare programmes, and enhance human capital development.
He noted that the economic outlook for Nigeria in 2026 remains positive, with projected GDP growth of 3.9 percent, improved oil revenues, and increasing foreign investment. He expressed optimism that renewed efforts by the Federal Government to address insecurity would further stimulate agricultural production and commerce.
Oborevwori stated that Delta State had made remarkable progress in fiscal discipline and revenue reforms, revealing that Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) increased from N83 billion in May 2023 to N158 billion in December 2024—representing over 90 percent growth. The state, he added, is on track to exceed N200 billion in IGR by the end of 2025 without imposing additional tax burdens on citizens.
He emphasized that despite massive infrastructural investments, his administration had not borrowed funds, while maintaining a monthly wage bill of N16 billion and settling pension and promotion arrears. The governor disclosed that N10 billion was recently approved for pension payments, alongside monthly releases totaling over N2 billion.
On infrastructure, Oborevwori highlighted the completion and ongoing execution of major road projects, flyovers, bridges, and urban renewal works across the 25 local government areas. He announced that the long-delayed Trans Warri–Ode-Itsekiri Road and bridges, awarded in 2006, would be completed and commissioned in the first quarter of 2026.
Other flagship projects listed include the Asaba Waterfront City development, flyovers in Ughelli and Agbor, reconstruction of the Warri Township Stadium, stormwater drainage works, and extensive rehabilitation of federal roads within the state.
In the health sector, the governor said Delta remains the leading state in Nigeria in health insurance coverage, with over 2.7 million residents enrolled. He also cited major upgrades in health infrastructure, including new CT scan machines, ventilators, dialysis centres, intensive care units, and the construction and renovation of hospitals and primary healthcare facilities.
Oborevwori also reported progress in education, noting that Delta now has one of the most robust educational systems in the country, boasting multiple universities, polytechnics, colleges, and secondary and primary schools. He announced the employment of over 3,400 new primary school teachers and nearly 1,000 staff in tertiary institutions, alongside ongoing infrastructural development in schools.
On security, the governor said collaboration with security agencies and the establishment of the Delta State Security Trust Fund had strengthened the state’s security architecture. He disclosed that joint operations had dismantled kidnapping syndicates and drug networks in several communities.
He highlighted agricultural initiatives, including partnerships to boost cassava, rice, and starch production, support for over 6,000 farmers, and promotion of urban farming.
The governor also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the Blue Carbon market, noting Federal Government approval of the national carbon framework, which will accelerate the Delta Azure Carbon Mosaic Project.
Oborevwori urged the lawmakers to support the proposed 2026 budget, stressing that it is aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline, promoting inclusiveness, expanding social protection, and sustaining development gains.
“We are determined to work for our people, deliver on the promises of the MORE Agenda, and make life more meaningful for everybody,” he said.
The budget estimates were subsequently laid before the House for legislative consideration.
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