The Delta State Government has announced plans to present an “organic” budget exceeding ₦1 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year, with an unprecedented 67 percent allocation to capital expenditure.
Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, disclosed this during the Citizens’ Budget Engagement with stakeholders comprising traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society, professional groups, and community representatives.
He noted that the 2026 budget would reflect the state’s stronger revenue base and would be self-funded without borrowings.
Ekedayen, who represented Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, explained that the trillion-naira budget is driven by higher FAAC inflows following fuel subsidy removal and steady growth in internally generated revenue (IGR).
“Even though it is going to be a trillion-plus budget, I can assure you the governor intends to fund it organically without borrowings,” he assured.
According to him, capital projects will take about 67 percent of the estimates, leaving 33 percent for recurrent expenditure, a ratio he described as unprecedented in Delta’s fiscal history.
Reviewing the 2025 budget performance, the commissioner highlighted gains in fiscal discipline, debt reduction, and efficient resource management.
He stated that the government tightened controls, blocked leakages, cut waste, and expanded the tax net without introducing new taxes, thereby boosting IGR and sustaining development across critical sectors.
He listed extensive road and bridge construction, housing and market development, school and health facility upgrades, as well as investments in power, renewable energy, agriculture, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship as key achievements of the 2025 fiscal year.
Ekedayen further disclosed that the Oborevwori administration had reduced Delta’s debt profile from about ₦400 billion to ₦200 billion within 12 months, with further reductions projected by year-end.
“Delta State has become a huge construction site, and in the last 12 months, the government has aggressively invested in infrastructure and health,” he said.
He assured stakeholders that projects not captured in 2025 would be accommodated in the 2026 budget, promising that the new fiscal year would usher in “bigger and brighter opportunities” for Delta.
The commissioner also urged citizens to remain patient and supportive of government policies, stressing that peace and stability are essential for attracting investment to the state’s youthful population and abundant resources.
The forum ended with stakeholders reaffirming their support for the Oborevwori administration’s MORE Agenda of meaningful development, opportunities for all, realistic reforms, and enhanced peace and security.
