The Delta State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its resolve to ensuring that the State Budget for the 2025 fiscal year captures critical needs of the people.
Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Dennis Emomotimi Guwor gave the assurance in his closing remarks at the end of a four day retreat for the review of the Delta State Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP, 2025 -2027 for members of the Delta State House of Assembly, ahead of the state’s budget presentation for the 2025 financial year.
Rt Hon Guwor stated that the 8th Assembly has resolved to only consider and approve a budget that would be implementable in line with the laudable vision and programmes of the state government led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo, the Speaker said he was pleased to conclude the productive four-day retreat, where participants meticulously reviewed the Delta State Fiscal Strategy Paper for 2025-2027.
He noted that the retreat demonstrates their collective commitment to crafting a budget that prioritizes the welfare of the people, pointing out the need for all critical stakeholders to continue to work together for the progress of the state.
Guwor expressed gratitude to each of the Lawmakers for their active participation, insightful contributions, and dedication to a shared vision, stressing that their efforts will undoubtedly yield a comprehensive and inclusive budget that addresses the needs of the citizens.
“As we move forward to the 2025 budget presentation, I enjoy us all to remain focused on our goals and committed to the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance.
“Thank you once again for your tireless efforts. Together, we will continue to drive Delta State toward greater heights”, the Speaker stated.
Rt Hon Guwor commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his leadership vision and involvement in capacity building for members of the State Legislature.
He thanked the Resource persons for the quality lectures and effective communication and engagement with participants all through the four days proceedings.
The lead facilitator and President, African Parliamentary Resource Centre, Mr John Mutu, explained that deliberations at the retreat have equipped the Lawmakers with deeper understanding of the state’s fiscal landscape, which will enable them make informed decisions that will stimulate economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for Deltans.
Mr Mutu said he was impressed with level of participation in the exercise and performance by members of the Delta State House of Assembly, having gone round almost the 36 State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria for similar sessions.
He noted that the capacity training was aimed to improve knowledge on budget preparation and implementation, even as he expressed confidence that the exercise will lead to quality engagements between Lawmakers and Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs of the state government.
In their reactions, the House Leader, Hon Emmanuel Nwaobi, the Deputy Majority Whip, Prince Emeka Osamota and the Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon James Augoye, said the retreat has prepared members for the task ahead, maintaining that knowledge gained would help them perform better in line with their constitutional duties.
They pointed out that expectations are high and expressed optimism that the three years budget plan would accelerate development and increase productivity in Delta state.
Six resource persons drawn from within and outside Delta state took the Lawmakers through the various topics for the four day retreat.
They include the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, the State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Fidelis Tilije, the President, African Parliamentary Resource Centre, Mr John Mutu, a Development Specialist, Ifeanyi Ugwuoke, a Consultant with Nigeria Governors Forum, Dr Uzochukwu Amakom and Dr Fineman Goyei, a Legislative Engagement Specialist.
Topics discussed include “An Overview of the 2025-2027 Delta State MTEF and Emerging Issues from the 2024 Budget Implementation”, “Linking between Delta State MORE Agenda and FY 2025-FY 2027 MTEF”, “Enhancing Revenue Generation in the state: Challenging, Opportunities, Successes, and Future Plans” as well as “Economic and Fiscal Update-Analyses of Proposed Revenue & Expenditure in the Delta State FY 2025-FY2027”.
Others include “Sectoral Analysis of Proposed Revenue & Expenditure in the Delta State FY 2025-FY 2027”, “Debt Position and Brief Commentary on Debt Position”, “Key Considerations for FY 2025 Delta State Account Estimate and broader Budget Estimates” “Macroeconomic and Crude Oil Assumption FY 2025- FY 2027 and Fiscal Strategy, Assumptions and Capital Receipts FY 2015-FY 2027” “Implications of Contemporary National Issues on Year 2025 Budget of Delta State and “Debates on the Indicative Three-Year Fiscal Framework, Identifying Fiscal Risks and Mitigation Actions”.
