...70% Dedicated to Capital Projects
By Ovasa Ogaga,
The Ministries of Works, covering Urban Highways, Rural and Riverine Roads, will receive the highest sectoral allocation as Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday, presented a ₦1.664 trillion Appropriation Bill for 2026 to the Delta State House of Assembly. The three Works Ministries will jointly receive ₦450 billion to fast-track strategic road development across the state.
The Education sector is allocated ₦105.086 billion to expand access to functional learning, while the Health sector gets ₦50.067 billion to upgrade infrastructure across 441 primary healthcare centres, 65 general hospitals, and three tertiary institutions.
The governor, presenting the budget in line with Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), noted that 70 percent of the total proposal is committed to capital expenditure, signalling an aggressive push for infrastructure expansion and socio-economic growth in 2026.
Presenting the document christened “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda,” Oborevwori said the proposal was developed against the backdrop of an improving national economy, with Nigeria’s GDP projected to grow by 3.9% in 2026. He noted that rising oil revenues, stabilising fiscal-monetary policies, tax reforms, and renewed federal efforts in tackling insecurity have boosted optimism for economic expansion and better living standards.
The governor explained that the 2026 budget aims to drive inclusive growth, strengthen human capital, accelerate infrastructure renewal, enhance social cohesion, reduce debt exposure, and ensure prudent resource management. Of the total budget, ₦499 billion (30%) is proposed for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.165 trillion (70%) is set aside for capital projects—representing a 70% increase over the 2025 allocation.
On revenue expectations, Oborevwori said the state anticipates major improvement in federal allocations following subsidy removal. Statutory Allocation, including mineral derivation, is projected at ₦720 billion—43.28% of total revenue—indicating a 23.75% rise from 2025. He added that ongoing IGR reforms are expected to generate ₦250 billion in 2026, an 86.5% increase, driven by professionalised revenue systems and an expanded tax base. VAT remittances are projected at ₦120 billion, while capital receipts are deliberately reduced to ₦25 billion to maintain a zero-borrowing stance. He further disclosed that ₦489 billion is expected from savings and oil revenue recoveries, citing his administration’s fiscal discipline.
Personnel costs are estimated at ₦185 billion, overheads at ₦204 billion, and ₦110 billion earmarked for social contributions, benefits, and grants—figures the governor said reflect inflationary trends and sustained commitment to workers’ welfare.
He outlined priority sectors for 2026, including the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, which is slated to receive ₦20 billion for flood control and urban expansion in Asaba, while an equal amount goes to the Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency to support ongoing road and flyover projects.
In agriculture, energy, and social protection, the budget allocates ₦10 billion to boost food security and agro-investment; ₦16 billion to strengthen state-wide power supply through the upcoming multi-grid template; and ₦20 billion to expand social intervention programmes targeted at reducing poverty. Also, ₦100 billion is reserved for direct interventions across all 25 LGAs—an average of ₦4 billion each. On security, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to deploy drones, advanced surveillance tools, and sustained logistical support for security agencies.
Oborevwori, a former Speaker of the House, commended the Assembly for its collaboration and urged lawmakers to expedite passage of the budget to maintain development momentum. He reiterated his commitment to building “a prosperous, secure, and stronger Delta where no one is left behind.”
Earlier, Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor described the budget presentation as an affirmation of the covenant between government and citizens. He praised the governor’s leadership, citing achievements under the MORE Agenda, including strategic flyovers, expanded road networks, improved healthcare, enhanced education, and empowerment programmes. Guwor also commended the approval of CONLESS and the commencement of permanent offices for the Assembly Service Commission.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Emeke Nwaobi, moved for the adoption of the governor’s presentation, seconded by Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, Chairperson of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriations. The budget has now been formally laid before the House for legislative consideration.
