The Delta State House of Assembly has adopted the recommendations of its Committee on Finance and Appropriation on the review of the 2027–2029 Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) and Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), urging the state government to intensify economic diversification, boost internally generated revenue and give priority to critical capital projects.
The lawmakers also passed the Delta State Local Government Amendment Bill, 2024, designed to strengthen the administrative structure, composition, financing and statutory functions of local government councils across the state.
The decisions were taken during Wednesday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, following the presentation of the committee’s report by its Chairman, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola.
Presenting the report, Okowa-Daramola, who represents Ika North-East Constituency, stressed the need for the state to deepen its economic diversification efforts by reducing overdependence on oil revenue and expanding non-oil sources of internally generated revenue, particularly through agriculture and tourism.
She further called for sustained investment in ecological resilience, recommending the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing flood control facilities, alongside the construction of additional infrastructure to address persistent flooding and erosion challenges in different parts of the state.
On fiscal management, the committee advocated greater efficiency in recurrent expenditure and the adoption of scientifically based revenue forecasting mechanisms to create additional fiscal room for infrastructure development and other capital investments.
It also recommended that capital expenditure be guided by strict prioritisation in line with the state government’s M.O.R.E Agenda, while ensuring that budget preparation and documentation adhere to the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
The committee underscored the importance of transparent fiscal policies, credible budget projections and prudent management of available resources as essential measures for achieving sustainable economic growth and development.
Following deliberations, the House Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, moved a motion for the adoption of the committee’s recommendations, which was seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo. The motion was subsequently put to a voice vote and unanimously adopted by the lawmakers.
In a related development, the Assembly passed the Delta State Local Government Amendment Bill, 2024, providing an enhanced legislative framework for the establishment, structure, composition, funding and operational responsibilities of local government councils in the state.
To expedite the legislative process, members resolved to suspend relevant provisions of the House Standing Orders, paving the way for the bill to undergo third reading and eventual passage.
Speaking after the passage, Speaker Guwor commended members for their cooperation and commitment, describing the amendment as an important legislative intervention that would strengthen local government administration and improve the effective functioning of councils across Delta State.
The plenary was subsequently adjourned to Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
