The Delta State Government has outlined an ambitious fiscal roadmap for 2026, signaling a strong commitment to accelerated development, social inclusion and long-term economic growth with a record budget of about ₦1.7 trillion.
Unveiling the details of the newly enacted 2026 Appropriation Law in Asaba, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sunny Ekedayen, said the budget reflects the Oborevwori administration’s determination to translate governance into visible impact across the state.
He explained that the budget, which was recently passed by the Delta State House of Assembly and signed into law by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represents a significant expansion from the 2025 budget of ₦979 billion, underscoring growing confidence in the state’s fiscal capacity.
According to Ekedayen, the most striking feature of the 2026 budget is its strong development orientation, with over 70 per cent, about ₦1.165 trillion, dedicated to capital expenditure. He described the allocation as a bold and historic shift, noting that the capital component alone exceeds the total size of the previous year’s budget.
“This budget is designed to drive visible transformation across all 25 local government areas,” he said, adding that the document takes effect from January 1, 2026, positioning the government to commence implementation without delay.
Ekedayen said the administration is focused on completing ongoing projects while carefully selecting new ones with the highest economic and social returns. He noted that contractors are typically mobilised with up to 40 per cent advance payments to ensure efficiency, particularly given the state’s limited construction window.
Beyond infrastructure, the 2026 budget places strong emphasis on social protection. About ₦20 billion has been set aside for targeted programmes to support artisans, traders, small businesses and vulnerable groups through both cash and material assistance. He added that a Social Protection Bill has been forwarded to formalise the initiative and ensure sustainability.
Infrastructure development, Ekedayen stressed, will be evenly spread across the state’s diverse communities, reflecting Delta’s multi-nodal settlement structure. In addition, ₦100 billion has been earmarked for special interventions in local governments, allowing grassroots needs identified by community stakeholders to be addressed directly.
The health sector is also slated for major upgrades, with significant investment in tertiary healthcare facilities. Ekedayen disclosed that high-end diagnostic equipment has been procured from Germany for three state-owned teaching hospitals, alongside plans to strengthen primary healthcare, expand medical training and recruit more health professionals. Continued support for the state’s health insurance scheme also features prominently.
Education remains a central pillar of the budget, with sustained funding for universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, nursing and health technology institutions, as well as extensive improvements to primary and secondary schools. He described Delta as steadily evolving into a regional education hub driven by improved infrastructure and learning environments.
Agriculture is expected to contribute strongly to economic diversification, supported by a three-track strategy involving direct public investment, private sector collaboration and large-scale agribusiness projects. These initiatives are aimed at boosting food production, creating jobs and reducing post-harvest losses. Ekedayen also said Delta is well positioned to benefit from the next phase of the Federal Government’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones programme.
On revenue generation, Ekedayen disclosed that Delta State’s Internally Generated Revenue has risen by more than 140 per cent since 2023, growing from ₦83 billion to over ₦200 billion, with a target of ₦250 billion in 2026. He attributed the growth to improved efficiency and reforms rather than additional tax pressure on residents.
The state is also exploring innovative revenue streams, including participation in the blue carbon market, by leveraging mangrove restoration and climate finance partnerships with international organisations and the Federal Government.
Ekedayen described Governor Oborevwori as a results-driven leader focused on sustainable development and inclusive governance, assuring residents that the benefits of the 2026 budget would be widely felt.
“As from January 1, 2026, governance will move into full gear. Development will accelerate, investments will deepen, and communities across Delta State will see measurable progress,” he said.