Oborevwori Presents ₦1.664trn 2026 Delta State Budget

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, presented a ₦1.664 trillion Appropriation Bill to the Delta State House of Assembly for the 2026 fiscal year, describing it as a “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda.”

He said the proposal is intended to deepen infrastructure renewal, expand social protection, consolidate economic reforms and sustain the state’s strong fiscal stability.

Presenting the budget in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori emphasized that the administration is firmly committed to engaging citizens, stating that “the Delta State Government is a listening government and will keep listening to Deltans.”

He noted that Nigeria’s economic outlook for 2026 is “broadly optimistic,” with a projected national GDP growth of 3.9 percent, while Delta State’s internal projections estimate growth around 2.9 percent under a stable macroeconomic environment.

The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to fiscal responsibility, stressing that “the budget proposed is to maintain the progress in Delta State and maintain the track record of not borrowing.” He added that the state would continue to rely on prudent financial management, improved revenue generation and strategic savings.

Budget Structure and Fiscal Strategy

The ₦1.664 trillion budget reflects a ₦685 billion increase (70%) over the 2025 fiscal year. The proposed expenditure allocates ₦499 billion (30%) to recurrent spending and ₦1.165 trillion (70%) to capital projects, reinforcing the administration’s infrastructure-driven development strategy.

Expected revenue breakdown includes:

• ₦720bn — Statutory Allocation & Mineral Derivation
• ₦250bn — Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)
• ₦120bn — VAT
• ₦25bn — Capital receipts
• ₦489bn — Savings and oil revenue recoveries

Delta’s IGR has grown from ₦83bn in 2023 to ₦158bn in 2025, a 90 percent increase and is projected to exceed ₦200bn by year-end. Internal planning notes also set a monthly IGR target of ₦20bn through automation, expanded tax coverage and compliance reforms.

Infrastructure: The Largest Allocation

With ₦450 billion allocated to the Ministry of Works, the 2026 budget continues the administration’s aggressive push for statewide infrastructure. Projects include:

• Trans Warri–Ode-Itsekiri Road & 15 bridges
• Flyovers in Asaba, Agbor, Ughelli and Effurun
• Drainage systems in Warri–Uvwie and Asaba
• New and rehabilitated roads across all 25 LGAs

Internal planning documents highlight a 2026–2028 completion schedule to prevent project abandonment.

Education: ₦105.086bn for Expansion

Education received ₦105.086 billion, supporting infrastructure development across tertiary institutions, technical colleges and basic schools. Since taking office, the administration has recruited 3,497 primary school teachers and 958 staff across tertiary institutions.

Healthcare: Strengthening Capacity

The Ministry of Health received ₦50.067 billion. Delta now leads Nigeria in health insurance coverage with over 2.7 million enrollees. Budgeted health investments include:

• New and expanded ICUs
• Dialysis centres, ventilators, CT and MRI machines
• Upgraded primary and general hospitals

Agriculture & Food Security

The agricultural sector received ₦10 billion, supporting:

• PPPs for cassava, rice and industrial starch production
• Mechanisation initiatives with Brazil
• D-CARES farming support programmes

Energy and Electricity Reforms

The Ministry of Energy received ₦16 billion for mini-grids, rural electrification and renewable energy. A new Electricity Master Plan is underway. Planning notes project long-term capital needs of ₦856bn–₦1.56trn.

Social Protection: ₦20bn for Welfare

Social protection funding includes support for:

• 307,600 beneficiaries under D-CARES
• 10,000 widows receiving monthly stipends and free health insurance
• A planned “three meals a day” initiative for vulnerable households

Security and Peacebuilding

Security funding supports multi-sectoral commitments totalling ₦166bn, including:

• Drone surveillance
• Border control upgrades
• Strengthened vigilante networks
• Expanded operations for Operation Delta Sweep

Bill Advances in the Assembly

The Speaker, Rt Hon Guwor Emomotimi announced that the second reading of the 2026 Appropriation Bill is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, November 27, 2025. Lawmakers are expected to begin detailed debate on sectoral allocations and priorities.

Governor Oborevwori called on legislators to accelerate consideration of the bill, saying it reflects a commitment to prudent management, community development and inclusive growth.

“Together,” he said, “we can build the Delta State of our dreams where no one is left behind.”