………..Allocates 70% to Capital Projects
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday presented a N1.664 trillion Appropriation Bill for 2026 to the Delta State House of Assembly, with a bold 70 percent dedicated to capital expenditure, signaling an aggressive push for infrastructure expansion and socio-economic development in the 2026 fiscal year.
Titled “Budget of Accelerating the More Agenda” tailored towards the rapid growth and sustainable development of the state, the 2026 proposal marks a significant leap of N685 billion, thus representing a 70% increase over the 2025 budget size.
Governor Oborevwori said the expansion reflects his administration’s resolve to accelerate road construction, revamp critical sectors, and deepen investments that support long-term prosperity.
Revenue Outlook and Funding Structure.
The governor projected a buoyant revenue profile anchored on statutory allocations, Intetnally Grnerated Revenue(IGR) reforms, Value Added Tax (VAT) receipts, and accumulated savings.
He disclosed that N720 billion, or 43.28% of total projected revenue, was expected from statutory allocation, boosted by post-subsidy Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC,) inflows and improved oil production stability in the Niger Delta, while IGR was projected at N250 billion, representing an 86.5% increase over 2025, driven by ongoing reforms to plug leakages and widen the tax net.
VAT receipts are expected to rise sharply to N120 billion, buoyed by improved federal administration of the tax. Capital receipts, however, have been deliberately cut down to N25 billion—a 73% reduction—as the government pushes toward a zero-borrowing fiscal strategy.
Savings and oil revenue recoveries are projected to contribute N489 billion, underscoring what the governor described as “a testament to prudent and disciplined financial management.
The recurrent budget of N499 billion comprises N185 billion for personnel costs (37%), N204 billion for overheads (41%), and N110 billion for social benefits, grants, and contributions.
Oborevwori said the estimates reflect inflation realities and the need to keep government machinery functioning efficiently.
Capital Spending Priorities
With capital expenditure dominating the fiscal plan, the governor outlined major spending priorities across key sectors:
Road Infrastructure:
A massive N450 billion has been allocated to the Ministry of Works (Urban, Rural, and Riverine Roads) to accelerate ongoing projects and open new economic corridors.
Education:
The sector is slated for N105.086 billion to expand access to quality and functional learning.
Healthcare:
The Ministry of Health receives N50.067 billion to strengthen hospitals, primary healthcare centres, and health manpower systems.
Asaba Capital Territory:
N20 billion is earmarked for urban infrastructure, including the ongoing multibillion-naira stormwater drainage project, while the Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency
received an allocation of N20 billion, as ongoing road and flyover works continue to reshape the oil city.
The state plans to introduce a multi-grid electricity system, with N16 billion allocated to the Ministry of Energy.
Agriculture:
With Delta’s rich ecological advantage, N10 billion is dedicated to boosting food security and agro-industrial growth.
Social Protection:
N20 billion is provided to scale up interventions for vulnerable households.
Local Government Emergency Interventions:
Governor Oborevwori announced that the State Government has set aside the sum of N100 billion—an average of N4 billion per LGA—to address pressing community infrastructure requests across the 25 local government areas to accelerate grassroot development.
Strengthening security,
Oborevwori reaffirmed his commitment to peace and stability, announcing new investments in surveillance technology, drones, intelligence- gathering equipment, and improved support for security personnel.
Commending the House of Assembly for its sustained partnership, the governor urged lawmakers to expedite approval of the budget so that the administration could “do more for the people” under the MORE Agenda.
Laying the proposal before the House, Governor Oborevwori emphasized that the 2026 fiscal plan was designed to build “a more prosperous, secure, and stronger Delta where no one was left behind.”
