Oborevwori Charts New Course For Delta With Massive N1.165 Trillion Capital Vote

…UNVEILS N1.664 TRILLION TOTAL BUDGET FOR 2026

By John Paul
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has charted an ambitious and optimistic course for Delta State’s future with the presentation of a ₦1.664 trillion 2026 budget, anchored by a powerful ₦1.164 trillion capital expenditure outlay—a bold 70 percent allocation that signals his administration’s determination to build a new, modern, and prosperous Delta.

Presenting the “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda” before the State House of Assembly in Asaba, the governor said the fiscal plan was crafted in alignment with Nigeria’s gradually improving economic outlook, with GDP projected to grow by 3.9 percent in 2026. He stressed that stabilising national policies, tax reforms, strengthened oil revenues, and renewed federal security interventions have created a fresh platform for sustained progress.

According to Oborevwori, the 2026 budget is designed to expand infrastructure, build human capacity, deepen social cohesion, strengthen fiscal stability, and drive inclusive development across all senatorial districts. With ₦499 billion dedicated to recurrent costs and an unprecedented capital vote, the governor said the proposal represents a 70 percent rise in capital funding over last year: one of the strongest statements yet of his administration’s developmental intent.

On revenues, the governor expressed confidence that Delta would record significantly improved federal allocations in the post-subsidy era. Statutory allocations, including derivation, are projected at ₦720 billion, a 23.75 percent leap from 2025 and representing 43.28 percent of total income. He also revealed that ongoing reforms to professionalise Internally Generated Revenue systems will push IGR to ₦250 billion—an extraordinary 86.5 percent growth driven by efficiency, accountability, and an expanded tax base.

The state also expects ₦120 billion from VAT, buoyed by enhanced national VAT administration, while keeping capital receipts intentionally low at ₦25 billion to maintain the administration’s firm zero-borrowing stance. In addition, ₦489 billion is projected to come from savings and oil revenue recoveries, which the governor described as a testament to the “fiscal discipline and prudence” guiding his government.

Oborevwori assured workers of continued support, with personnel costs pegged at ₦185 billion, overheads at ₦204 billion, and ₦110 billion for social benefits—all calibrated to cushion inflation and strengthen welfare protections.

A major highlight is the prioritisation of infrastructure. The Ministries of Works, covering urban, rural, and riverine roads, will jointly receive a massive ₦450 billion to accelerate statewide road development. Education receives ₦105.086 billion for functional learning upgrades, while the health sector gets ₦50.067 billion to modernise 441 primary healthcare centres, 65 general hospitals, and three tertiary medical institutions.

In the push to reshape Delta’s urban landscape, the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency is allocated ₦20 billion for flood control and city expansion in Asaba, while the Warri, Uvwie & Environs Development Agency also receives ₦20 billion to sustain the ongoing transformation of the oil city through new roads, flyovers, and urban renewal works.

Other strategic allocations include ₦10 billion for agriculture to enhance food security, ₦16 billion for energy to advance the state’s multi-grid electricity plan, and ₦20 billion for social protection aimed at lifting more Deltans out of poverty. The budget also provides ₦100 billion in direct intervention funds for the 25 local government areas—an average of ₦4 billion each—to spur grassroots development.

On security, Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a safer Delta, outlining investments in drones, surveillance technologies, and continuous support for security agencies to strengthen peace and stability.