By Peter Ogege
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday presented a budget estimate of ₦1.664 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, marking a significant stride toward consolidating his administration’s development blueprint.
The Governor laid the 2026 Appropriation Bill, christened “Accelerating the MORE Agenda”, before lawmakers during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor.
According to the proposal, recurrent expenditure stands at ₦499 billion, representing 30% of the budget, while a dominant ₦1.165 trillion, a robust 70% is earmarked for capital projects, underscoring the administration’s commitment to infrastructure expansion and long-term development.
Highlighting the key components of the budget, Governor Oborevwori disclosed that: ₦450 billion is allocated to the Ministry of Works for the construction and rehabilitation of urban, rural, and riverine roads—one of the largest sectoral allocations in the state’s history.
The education sector is slated to receive ₦105 billion, reinforcing ongoing investments in school infrastructure, teacher development, and learning resources.
The health sector will get ₦50 billion to strengthen healthcare delivery and upgrade critical medical facilities, Agriculture and natural resources will benefit from ₦10 billion, aimed at scaling food production and supporting agribusiness while Power and energy projects will receive ₦16 billion to enhance electricity access and promote energy sustainability.
Key development agencies such as Asaba Capital Territory Development Agency, Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA), and Social protection initiatives are each allocated ₦20 billion.
In a notable push for grassroots development, the Governor announced a ₦100 billion local government infrastructure intervention, translating to ₦4 billion worth of projects for each of the 25 LGAs.
Governor Oborevwori explained that the 2026 budget would be funded through statutory allocations, internally generated revenue, mineral derivation funds, government savings, and value-added tax.
He also reviewed the 2025 budget performance, affirming notable accomplishments in infrastructure, social welfare, and fiscal discipline.
In his welcome address, Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor described the annual budget presentation as “a cornerstone of democratic governance that promotes transparency, accountability, and a shared vision for development.”
He commended the cordial relationship between the Executive and the Legislature, noting that their synergy has ensured people-centred policies and impactful governance.
Rt. Hon. Guwor praised the Oborevwori administration for sustained investments in critical infrastructure, meaningful social programmes, prudent resource management, and initiatives that have strengthened peace, security, and economic stability across the state.
After the Governor’s presentation, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowvowo moved a motion of thanks, applauding the Governor for what he described as a clear demonstration of transparency, accountability, and commitment to transformational governance.
The event had in attendance dignitaries including; the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme; the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Theresa Diai, represented by the President of the Customary Court; the State Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Elder Omeni Sobotie, Seven former Speakers of the Delta State House of Assembly; members of the State Executive Council; former legislators; and other top government officials.
