Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday, presented a record-breaking N1.664 trillion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly for approval.
The proposal, tagged “Budget of Accelerating the More Agenda”, represents a whopping N685 billion (70 per cent) increase over the 2025 appropriation.
According to the governor, the budget comprises N499 billion (30 per cent) for recurrent expenditure and N1.165 trillion (70 per cent) for capital expenditure, a ratio the administration insists reflects its infrastructure-driven development strategy.
The Ministry of Works — split between Urban Highways and Rural/Riverine Roads — is the biggest winner, receiving N450 billion, roughly 27 per cent of the entire budget. According to Oborevwori, the allocation underscores his determination to “accelerate infrastructure renewal”.
In the budget, education and health get boosts, as the governor earmarked N105.086 billion for the education sector, maintaining that the state will “continue to prioritise qualitative and functional education”. At the same time, the Ministry of Health is set to receive N50.067 billion. Social protection programmes will receive N20 billion, while the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources gets N10 billion.
Oborevwori painted a bright economic outlook, projecting 3.9 per cent GDP growth in 2026, driven by oil revenue recovery, stable fiscal and monetary policies, and improved foreign investment.
He said the budget is designed to foster inclusive growth, strengthen human capital, enhance social cohesion, and reduce the debt burden.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dennis Guwor assured the governor of accelerated passage of the Budget.
Recently, in a bid to reposition Delta State as an emerging industrial hub, the state government has announced plans to secure a ₦1 billion loan from the Bank of Industry (BOI) to accelerate industrialisation and drive technology-enabled manufacturing.
The state governor, Sheriff Oborevweri, made the disclosure at the 39th Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Edo/Delta Branch, held in Asaba.
Oborevwori, represented by the Deputy Director (Industries), Mr. Ocheli Jude, said the loan scheme is part of a strategic collaboration with the BOI to provide financial support for manufacturers and medium-scale industries across the state.
According to him, global shifts toward digitalisation, green energy, and artificial intelligence are reshaping the future of manufacturing, and Delta State must position itself to remain competitive.
“Government is in collaboration with the Bank of Industry on a one-billion-naira loan scheme to boost industrialisation in the state.
“Digitalisation, green energy involvement and artificial intelligence are gaining ground in the world manufacturing ecosystem, and we must take the initiative so we don’t lag”, he said.
