Oborevwori Presents ₦1.664 Trillion 2026 Budget

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday, presented a ₦1.664 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, with an unprecedented 70 percent allocated to capital expenditure.

Making the presentation at the Assembly Chamber in Asaba, the Governor said the budget, christened “Budget of Accelerating the More Agenda,” was prepared in line with Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution and is aimed at driving rapid infrastructural growth, economic expansion, and improved social welfare across the state.

He noted that the 2026 fiscal plan comes at a time the national economy is projected to grow by 3.9 percent, fueled by improved oil revenue and ongoing monetary reforms. Oborevwori stated that strong fiscal discipline, a zero-borrowing approach, and ongoing tax reforms would support the implementation of the budget.

Budget Breakdown

Of the total sum:

₦1.165 trillion (70%) is allocated to capital projects
₦499 billion (30%) goes to recurrent expenditure

Personnel cost is projected at ₦185 billion, overheads ₦204 billion, while ₦110 billion is set aside for social contributions, benefits, and grants.

The governor disclosed that statutory allocation, including derivation, is expected to hit ₦720 billion, while Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is projected at ₦250 billion, representing an 86.5% increase over 2025.

He added that the state expects ₦120 billion from VAT revenues, with capital receipts reduced to ₦25 billion as part of its zero-borrowing fiscal stance. An additional ₦489 billion is anticipated from savings and oil revenue recoveries.

Sectoral Allocations and Key Priorities

A major highlight of the budget is the massive allocation to road infrastructure and development agencies:

₦450 billion — Works Ministries (Urban Highways and Rural/Riverine Roads)
₦105.086 billion — Education
₦50.067 billion — Health (covering 441 primary healthcare centres, 65 general hospitals, and 3 tertiary facilities)
₦20 billion each — Delta State Capital Territory Agency, and Warri/Uvwie & Environs Development Agency
₦100 billion — Direct projects across the 25 LGAs (₦4 billion per LGA)
₦10 billion — Agriculture and food security
₦16 billion — Energy development
₦20 billion — Social protection and poverty alleviation

On security, Oborevwori pledged continued support for operations across the state, including deployment of surveillance drones and advanced crime-fighting technology.

Lawmakers React

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, described the budget presentation as a reflection of government commitment to the people. He applauded the governor for visible achievements under the MORE Agenda, particularly in road construction, healthcare, education, and empowerment.

Guwor praised the approval of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS), assuring that the Assembly will give the bill timely and thorough consideration.

The Majority Leader, Hon. Emeke Nwaobi, moved a motion for the adoption of the budget presentation, seconded by Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola.

Next Step

The ₦1.664 trillion Appropriation Bill has now been formally laid before the Assembly for legislative review and passage.