Delta Lawmaker Preyor Praises Works Ministry During 2026 Budget Defence

The Chairman of the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Special Projects, Hon. Kenneth Oboro Preyor, has commended the Ministry of Works (Highways and Urban Roads) for what he described as a remarkable and people-oriented performance that has continued to earn the ministry the confidence of Deltans.

Hon. Preyor gave the commendation when the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, appeared before the Committee to defend the Ministry’s 2026 budget estimates for the upcoming fiscal year.

Describing the Ministry’s performance as both “commendable” and “consistent,” Preyor encouraged the Commissioner to sustain the momentum and continue mobilizing the ministry’s workforce for diligent service delivery across the state.

His positive remarks, which some lawmakers reportedly found surprising, underscored the ministry’s steady progress in the execution of road and drainage infrastructure projects.

He further directed the Commissioner to compile a comprehensive list of ongoing projects, explaining that the document would guide the Committee’s planned first-quarter 2026 oversight visits. Preyor, who represents Bomadi Constituency, also instructed that all relevant documents relating to the budget proposal be submitted to the Committee’s secretariat for further legislative scrutiny.

Budget Defence as a Scorecard Session

Highlighting the Ministry’s achievements, Comrade Reuben Izeze described the annual budget defence exercise as more of a performance review than a mere financial presentation. He said the session offered an opportunity to present the ministry’s scorecard, account for previously approved funds, and outline strategic plans for the coming year.

According to him, “Although officially it is tagged budget defence, it is simply the scorecard. We come to the House to present the report of our activities in the previous year, to show what we have done with the resources graciously approved, and how we intend to utilize the new allocation.”

The Commissioner, a former two-term lawmaker representing Ughelli South Constituency, lauded the Committee Chairman and members for their continuous support, noting that the ministry has upheld transparency and accountability in managing government resources.

351 Projects Executed Across Delta State

Presenting the ministry’s performance data, Comrade Izeze revealed that between May 29, 2023 and October 30, 2025, the Ministry handled 351 projects across the state’s 25 local government areas.

Of this number:

• 262 projects were inherited from previous administrations.
• 89 projects were newly initiated by the Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration.
• The cumulative value of the projects stands at ₦1.199 trillion.

He explained that the projects cover 1,143.3 km of roads and 639.02 sqm of drainage channels, forming a core part of the state’s aggressive urban renewal and infrastructure expansion initiative.

Izeze noted that:

• 199 projects have been fully completed, valued at ₦226.629 billion, while
• 152 projects estimated at ₦873.2 billion are still ongoing.

He added that the Ministry has significantly reduced traffic congestion, enhanced mobility in major urban centres, and addressed long-standing flooding issues affecting various communities.

Izeze disclosed that from January to November 2025, the Ministry disbursed ₦156.76 billion to contractors, including payments tied to ISPOs (Irrevocable Standing Payment Orders).

The Commissioner also outlined the Ministry’s 2026 budget proposal, pegged at ₦690.226 billion, slightly above the 2025 figure due to adjustments associated with the new minimum wage.

However, he raised concerns about funding gaps, noting that:

• Unpaid certificates for ongoing and uncompleted works currently stand at ₦2.317 billion.
• Some project votes remain “grossly overspent,” posing potential strain on the upcoming fiscal year.

He recommended improved funding mechanisms and prompt settlement of outstanding payments before the end of the current fiscal year to ease pressure on the 2026 budget.

Comrade Izeze reaffirmed the ministry’s alignment with the Delta State Medium-Term Development Plan (2024–2027), stressing that the budget estimates were prepared with full consideration of global construction realities, including rising material costs and erratic weather conditions.

He concluded by assuring lawmakers of the ministry’s resolve to support Governor Oborevwori’s vision of a modern, connected, and economically vibrant Delta State.

“In conclusion, I assure this Honourable Committee that the Ministry of Highways and Urban Roads remains fully committed to the governor’s vision of a prosperous and well-connected Delta State.

“With your continued support, we will deliver the critical infrastructure needed to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Deltans,” Izeze declared.