By Peter Ogege
The Delta State House of Assembly has passed a total budget of N1.729 trillion for the services of the state government in the 2026 fiscal year.
The 2026 Appropriation Bill was passed on Monday following the consideration of a report presented by the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor.
Presenting the report, Hon. Okowa-Daramola disclosed that the committee observed that the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the House was timely and complied with relevant statutory provisions, including Section 121(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Section 20(1) of the Delta State Fiscal Responsibility Law, 2008 (as amended), and the approved 2026–2028 Fiscal Strategy Paper.
She explained that the committee recommended an upward review of the recurrent expenditure from the proposed N499 billion to N500 billion, representing an increase of N1 billion (0.2 per cent). The capital expenditure was also reviewed from N1.165 trillion to N1.229 trillion, an increase of N64.65 billion over the initial proposal.
Consequently, the total budget size was adjusted from N1.665 trillion to N1.729 trillion.
Following the presentation, the House dissolved into the Committee of Supply to consider the report of the Finance and Appropriation Committee. Thereafter, a motion for the passage of the bill, moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowovwo, saw the 2026 Appropriation Bill read for the third time and passed.
Commending the lawmakers, Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor described the passage of the N1.729 trillion budget as a landmark achievement and a clear demonstration of the synergy between the Legislature and the Executive in advancing the development of Delta State.
He noted that the extensive deliberations and scrutiny by the House ensured that the “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda” is people-centred, realistic and sustainable.
The Speaker also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his developmental vision, as well as members of the House for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to the welfare of Deltans.
With the passage of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, the Delta State Government is now set to fully implement its programmes and policies for the benefit of citizens in the 2026 fiscal year.
