Delta State Government has unveiled a ₦175 billion allocation targeted at accelerating grassroots development across the state’s 25 local government areas, alongside expanded investment in the health sector.
The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on The Morning Show on ARISE News, stating that the funding forms a central component of the 2026 budget under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.
“As I speak to you, every local government in Delta has ₦7 billion dedicated to it. When you multiply that by 25 local government areas, you are talking about ₦175 billion strictly for projects at the local level, aside from other state-wide projects,” Aniagwu said.
He explained that the initiative builds on earlier allocations, noting that the state had provided ₦1 billion per local government in 2024, which was increased to ₦2.1 billion in 2025 following impact assessments.
“This time around, the governor said we must not only expand rural road networks but also intervene in health, education, and other areas that are peculiar to each local community,” he added.
Aniagwu described the move as unprecedented, arguing that few states commit such substantial resources directly to local-level development.
On healthcare, the commissioner said the allocations would complement over ₦16 billion already budgeted for the sector, stressing that the government’s strategy prioritises both infrastructure and manpower.
“We are not just building structures; we are equipping them with modern technology and strengthening the manpower needed to run them,” Aniagwu stated.
Addressing concerns over medical workforce shortages, he acknowledged the impact of migration but revealed that the state has intensified recruitment and training programmes.
He cited the establishment of the College of Health Technology in Ovrode, Isoko North Local Government Area, aimed at producing nurses and allied health professionals, while noting that Delta’s state-owned universities continue to train doctors and specialists.
Aniagwu further revealed that Delta leads Nigeria in subnational contributory health insurance enrollment.
“Today, with as little as ₦7,000, an enrolled person can access medical services in accredited hospitals without having to empty their pockets. Only the Federal Government comes close to our enrollment figures,” he said.
He also highlighted the renovation of over 400 dispensaries, upgrades of general and cottage hospitals, and the construction of a new Specialist Hospital in Osubi.
Aniagwu emphasised that the Oborevwori administration’s combined focus on rural infrastructure, healthcare access, and human capital development is designed to drive inclusive growth and improve living standards across Delta State.
