ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday presented a bold N1.664 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, dedicating an unprecedented 70 percent to capital expenditure. The governor said the budget, christened “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda,” is designed to fast-track infrastructure renewal, deepen socio-economic development, and strengthen human capital across the state.
Making the presentation at the hallowed chamber of the Assembly Complex in Asaba, in line with Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered), the governor said the proposal was crafted against the backdrop of an improving national economy, projecting Nigeria’s GDP growth at 3.9 percent in 2026. He stated that stabilising fiscal and monetary policies, rising oil revenues, tax reforms, and enhanced national security efforts have rekindled optimism for economic expansion and better living standards.
Oborevwori explained that the budget allocates ₦499 billion (30%) to recurrent expenditure and ₦1.165 trillion (70%) to capital projects — a significant 70 percent increase over the 2025 capital vote. He projected ₦720 billion from statutory allocations, including derivation, and ₦250 billion from internally generated revenue (IGR), an 86.5 percent rise driven by professionalised revenue processes. He also projected ₦120 billion from VAT remittances and ₦489 billion from savings and oil revenue recoveries, noting that capital receipts were deliberately reduced to ₦25 billion to maintain a zero-borrowing posture.
The governor listed key sectors to benefit from the proposed spending, including the Works Ministry, earmarked for ₦450 billion to accelerate urban, rural, and riverine road development. Education is allocated ₦105.086 billion to improve functional learning, while the health sector receives ₦50.067 billion for upgrades across 441 primary healthcare facilities, 65 general hospitals, and three tertiary centres. The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency and the Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency both get ₦20 billion each for ongoing flood control, road expansion, and urban renewal projects.
Other allocations include ₦10 billion for agriculture to boost food security, ₦16 billion for energy development through a multi-grid electricity framework, and ₦20 billion for social intervention programmes aimed at reducing poverty. Additionally, ₦100 billion is set aside for direct interventions across the 25 local government areas, while security efforts will be strengthened with advanced surveillance systems, drones, and sustained support for security agencies.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, praised the budget as a reflection of the government’s covenant with the people, commending the governor’s achievements under the MORE Agenda, including new flyovers, expanded roads, improved healthcare, strengthened education, and empowerment initiatives. He also lauded Oborevwori for approving the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) and initiating permanent office structures for the Assembly Service Commission.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Emeke Nwaobi, moved the motion for the adoption of the budget presentation, seconded by Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola. With the Appropriation Bill formally laid before the House, legislative scrutiny and consideration are set to begin in the coming days.
