ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government says it is targeting the first quarter of 2027 to settle the remaining N63 billion in legacy debt after reducing the state’s inherited obligations from N463 billion, according to the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen.
Ekedayen announced the figures during the 2026 Budget Stakeholders’ Engagement in Asaba on Friday, where government officials and other stakeholders discussed the state’s financial performance and priorities for the 2027 fiscal year.
He attributed the reported reduction of about N400 billion to the administration’s financial management approach and its handling of public resources under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The commissioner said the government intended to clear the outstanding balance within the first three months of 2027, adding that roads and other critical infrastructure would remain major priorities in the next budget.
He said the administration was maintaining its focus on capital investment, particularly projects expected to improve transportation, open up communities and support economic activities across the state.
The proposed 2027 budget, already presented at the stakeholders’ consultation, places 65.23 per cent of the proposed N1.236 trillion expenditure on capital projects, while recurrent spending accounts for 34.77 per cent.
The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, called for greater public participation in budget preparation, stressing the importance of ensuring that citizens and community stakeholders had opportunities to influence government spending priorities.
Azinge also commended the state government over its reported budget performance.
Civil society representatives at the meeting welcomed plans by the Delta State House of Assembly to introduce legislation to regulate housing matters in the state, although further details of the proposed legislation were not provided in the account of the engagement.
A stakeholder identified as Odugala urged residents to take greater responsibility for protecting public infrastructure and maintaining environmental cleanliness, warning against the destruction of facilities provided with public funds.
“Government cannot continue to build infrastructure, then citizens begin to destroy them,” he said.
Odugala also praised the state government’s introduction of a 13th-month salary for workers, describing it as an important development in public-sector welfare.
The engagement formed part of the state government’s consultation with stakeholders ahead of the 2027 budget, providing a platform for discussions on fiscal performance, infrastructure priorities and other development concerns.
