In a strong display of fiscal discipline and governance efficiency, Delta State has been ranked second nationwide in budget implementation for the first half of 2024, posting an impressive 97.9% execution rate, narrowly behind Yobe State, which topped the chart at 98.6%.
The figures were published by Agora Policy, a respected Nigerian think tank, following a comprehensive analysis of States’ Budget Implementation Reports and independent fiscal data evaluation.
Delta State’s performance places it ahead of traditionally dominant states like Rivers (93.4%), Ekiti (87.9%), Lagos (87.0%), and several others in a top 10 list that includes Bauchi (86.9%), Osun (86.5%), Edo (83.2%), Kogi (79.9%), and Akwa Ibom (79.1%).
According to Agora Policy, the rankings signal more than just numbers, they reflect how well state governments are delivering on promises to their citizens.
The organization described Yobe’s and Delta’s near-complete implementation as “clear indicators of planning matched with decisive action.”
While Yobe’s Focal Person on Digital and Strategic Communications, Yusuf Ali, praised his state’s near-perfect score as a product of “fiscal responsibility and purposeful leadership” under Governor Mai Mala Buni, Delta’s 97.9% rating signals the state’s rising profile as a leader in effective governance and public sector accountability.
Policy analysts believe that if current momentum continues, Delta State could easily claim the number one position in the next reporting cycle, a prospect that adds urgency and optimism to ongoing reform and development efforts under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.
It would be recall that The Story had published that Delta State Commissioner for Finance, Sir Fidelis Tilije and his counterpart in Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu had disclosed that in an era marked by widespread borrowing among state governments, Delta State has emerged as a shining example of fiscal responsibility, with the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori maintaining a zero-debt policy since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
Addressing journalists in Asaba on Friday, January 24, 2025, the State Commissioner for Finance, Sir Fidelis Tilije, emphatically stated that the Oborevwori-led government has not entered into any borrowing arrangement with any partner, individual, corporation, bank, or institution, whether local or international.
“Since the inception of this administration led by Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State has not borrowed a single dime or engaged in any borrowing relationship whatsoever,” Tilije declared.
Backing this claim, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) and former Information Commissioner, hailed the governor’s exemplary financial discipline and transparent governance style.
He emphasized that Oborevwori’s prudent management of state resources has not only stabilized the economy but also fostered public trust and enabled the state to deliver impactful projects across various sectors.
Flanked by Tilije during the media briefing, Aniagwu said, “Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent resource management is yielding visible results across Delta. Stakeholders can now clearly see that this government walks its talk.”
Observers say Delta State’s zero-debt status and near-perfect budget performance, ranking second nationally with 97.9% implementation in the first half of 2024, position the state as a benchmark for good governance and fiscal responsibility in Nigeria.
Credit: Daily Post with additional report
