Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State is receiving widespread commendation for his bold fiscal approach, having slashed the State’s debt profile by more than half within two years of assuming office, all without borrowing a single kobo.
Since taking over leadership on May 29, 2023, Governor Oborevwori has steered the State through a challenging financial landscape, reducing the inherited debt burden of N465 billion to N199.6 billion as of May 2025, a 54% drop.
In a nation where borrowing remains a common recourse for states to fund infrastructure and meet recurrent obligations, Oborevwori’s no-borrowing policy has emerged as a rare example of prudent and visionary governance.
Instead of resorting to loans, his administration relies heavily on internally generated revenue (IGR) and allocations from the Federation Account to finance major projects and essential services.
Observers say this policy has not only improved the State’s financial health but also fostered transparency and accountability in governance.
A key highlight of the administration’s fiscal model is its proactive contract financing strategy. Contractors handling major projects receive between 20% and 40% mobilisation fees upfront.
According to government insiders, this approach offsets inflation-related costs, discourages delays, and saves the State billions in bank-related interest charges and contract variations.
Infrastructure development across Delta continues at a steady pace, including road expansions, new hospitals, vocational training centres, and school upgrades, all delivered without new loans.
Social empowerment programmes such as bursaries for students, youth and women empowerment initiatives, and support for persons with disabilities have also remained fully funded.
The civic advocacy group, Delta Fresh Vision, has hailed the Governor’s efforts as exemplary, calling on future administrations to uphold the same standard of fiscal responsibility.
“Governor Oborevwori has shown that effective governance is possible without piling up debt,” said Wilberforce Arinze, Acting Chairman of Delta Fresh Vision.
“His leadership prioritises value for money and long-term sustainability.”
The group added that the State’s financial independence reflects a deeper philosophy of self-reliance and people-oriented planning.
In recognition of these achievements, Governor Oborevwori recently clinched the ThisDay Newspaper and Arise Television Governor of the Year 2024 Award.
He was honoured for his fiscal discipline and significant contributions to infrastructure development.
Additionally, in a recent report by AGORA Policy, a respected national think tank, Delta State was ranked second among Nigeria’s 36 states in budget implementation, scoring 97.9%, just behind Yobe State’s 98.6%.
Delta Fresh Vision has now thrown its weight behind Oborevwori’s potential re-election bid in 2027, urging citizens to support a leader who has “proven himself a good manager of men and resources.”
“If he can achieve this level of transformation without borrowing, imagine what the future holds with continued support,” added Grace Akaighe, the group’s Public Relations Officer.
As Delta marks a turning point in public finance and governance, Oborevwori’s no-debt model may well serve as a template for responsible leadership across Nigeria.
