By Unue Emeka,
The Delta State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved a proposed budget of N936 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, prioritizing capital expenditure to accelerate infrastructure and economic development across the state.
Of the total proposed budget, N587.4 billion, or 62.75%, is allocated to capital projects, while N348.7 billion, or 37.25%, is earmarked for recurrent expenses.
Advocate.ng reports that during a post-EXCO briefing, State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, explained that the proposed budget was developed with an exchange rate benchmark of N1,300 per dollar, underscoring the administration’s commitment to transparency and economic stability.
Ekedayen, joined by Commissioners Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, and Hon. Ebikeme Clark, shared that the 2025 budget is 29.12% larger than the previous year’s, aligning with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s vision of expanding economic growth without incurring new debt.
Highlighting key sectors, Ekedayen stated that agriculture, youth empowerment, tourism, healthcare, and education would see significant investment. "Our objective is a budget that advances Delta’s development agenda through prudent resource management. This budget will be 100% organically funded through Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations and internally generated revenue, which is anticipated to reach at least N140 billion," he added.
Further, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, Commissioner for Information, emphasized EXCO’s focus on project quality and sustainability. He noted that all Ministry heads, Commissioners, and Permanent Secretaries have been directed to ensure high standards in their respective projects, with a commitment to community-impacting projects.
Also the EXCO confirmed key appointments, including HRM Dr. Greg N. Oputa as the Obi of Aboh, and Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, as the Asagba of Asaba Kingdom.
The EXCO meeting also approved major road construction projects aimed at improving access across local communities, including the rehabilitation of roads in Ughelli North, Okpe, and Isoko South LGAs, alongside infrastructure upgrades for the NYSC Orientation Camp in Aniocha North LGA. Commissioner Aniagwu disclosed that EXCO would hold contractors accountable for delayed projects to meet the Governor’s development agenda.
"This budget reflects our commitment to key sectors with a balanced approach between recurrent and capital expenditures.
"This 2025 proposal is 29.12% larger than the current year’s budget, demonstrating our dedication to advancing the state’s development.
"Our focus areas remain clear: agriculture; support for micro, small, and medium enterprises; youth empowerment; tourism; entertainment; social safety nets through poverty alleviation; physical infrastructure; healthcare; and education.
"While this provides an overview of the proposed budget, it is still subject to review and will be officially transmitted to the State House of Assembly for further deliberation."
Ekedayen who remarked that the Oborevwori's administration is anchored on transparency and accountability, added that the 2025 budget will be 100% organically funded without any borrowing.
"A significant portion of the funding will come from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations, with our internally generated revenue serving as the secondary source.
"To give a clearer perspective, we anticipate that our Internally Generated Revenue will reach at least N140 billion.
"For the 2025 project proposals, this combination of Federal allocation and internally generated revenue will be the primary sources of funding."
Also speaking, Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, said "Exco approved a range of impactful projects that aim to benefit communities across the State.
"With the two-year anniversary on the horizon, the Council emphasized the importance of future-oriented planning.
"Accordingly, all heads of Ministries, Commissioners, and Permanent Secretaries have been directed to ensure rigorous oversight of their respective projects, with a strict mandate for high standards. There is absolutely no tolerance for substandard or incomplete work.
"The Council also confirmed key appointments, including the appointment of HRM, Dr. Greg N. Oputa, as the Obi of Aboh in Ndokwa East, and Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, as the Asagba of Asaba Kingdom in Oshimili South Local government area."
