By Wealth Oghenemaro
Delta State is set to cross the ₦1 trillion budget threshold for the first time in its history, as the government outlined plans for the 2026 fiscal year during a citizens’ engagement forum on Thursday.
Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, speaking on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, said the upcoming budget would reflect the state’s stronger revenue base and prudent financial management.
He disclosed that while the draft is still being finalized, it will exceed ₦1 trillion when presented to the State Executive Council later this month. He attributed the growth to higher FAAC inflows following fuel subsidy removal and steady increases in internally generated revenue (IGR).
“Even though it is going to be a trillion-plus budget, I can assure you the governor intends to fund it organically without borrowings,” Ekedayen told participants.
He explained that capital projects would take about 67 percent of the estimates, leaving 33 percent for recurrent expenditure — a ratio he described as unprecedented for Delta.
Reviewing the 2025 budget performance, the commissioner said the state recorded gains in fiscal discipline, debt reduction, and development delivery. According to him, government tightened financial controls, cut waste, and created fiscal space for sustainable growth.
On revenue, he said the administration expanded the tax net, improved compliance, and blocked leakages without introducing new taxes. These measures, he noted, boosted IGR and enabled the government to fund projects across critical sectors.
He listed extensive road and bridge construction, housing and market projects, ongoing upgrades of schools and health facilities, as well as investments in power and renewable energy among the year’s major achievements. Agriculture, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship initiatives, he added, were also scaled up to create jobs and economic opportunities.
Stakeholders at the forum commended the government’s openness and inclusive approach to budgeting.
Civil society representative Rex Anioghoro praised the engagement, urging government to continue capturing civil society input and granting civic groups greater independence to serve as effective watchdogs.
Community leader Prince Igwe lauded the governor’s inclusive style, stressing that grassroots voices were being carried along in policy and project execution.
Speaking on behalf of professional bodies, Mr. Voke Ighrodje called for stronger emphasis on education, healthcare, and social security as pillars of stability.
Traditional ruler Obi Clement Ejiofor welcomed the transparency of the process but appealed for increased investment in road infrastructure to ease the movement of goods and people.
Delivering a message from the College of Commissioners, Mr. Charles Aniagwu thanked citizens for their partnership, noting that monitoring channels had been created for Deltans to report gaps in project delivery.
Ekedayen assured that projects not captured in 2025 would be accommodated in the 2026 budget, promising that the new fiscal year would usher in “bigger and brighter opportunities” for the state.
He urged citizens to remain patient, peaceful, and supportive of government programmes, emphasizing that peace and stability would further attract investors to Delta’s youthful population, abundant resources, and growing economy.
The forum closed with stakeholders reaffirming support for the Oborevwori administration’s MORE Agenda of meaningful development, opportunities for all, realistic reforms, and enhanced peace and security.
