The Delta State Government has unveiled its N1.7 trillion 2026 Appropriation Law, with more than 70 per cent of the budget dedicated to capital expenditure, signalling a strong commitment to infrastructure development and social investment across the state.
Briefing journalists in Asaba, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sunny Ekedayen, said the budget—recently passed by the Delta State House of Assembly and assented to by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori—represents a significant increase from the 2025 budget of N979 billion.
According to Ekedayen, the initial proposal of N1.664 trillion submitted to the House underwent legislative scrutiny, resulting in marginal adjustments that ultimately served the overall interest of the state. He noted that the budget has now become a “live” legal document and will take effect from January 1, 2026.
He described the heavy emphasis on capital expenditure as historic, revealing that over N1.165 trillion—representing more than 70 per cent of the total budget—has been earmarked for capital projects.
“For the first time in the state’s history, capital expenditure in a single budget exceeds the size of the entire previous year’s budget. This will significantly accelerate development across Delta’s 25 local government areas,” Ekedayen said.
The Commissioner, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu; the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Projects and Policies, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika; and the Executive Assistant on Media, Mr. Felix Ofou, assured that the administration would commence implementation immediately in the new year.
He said ongoing projects would be completed without abandonment, while new ones would be strategically selected for maximum impact. Contractors, he added, are usually mobilised up to 40 per cent to ensure timely execution, particularly given the state’s short construction season.
On social protection, Ekedayen disclosed that about N20 billion has been allocated to programmes targeting artisans, small traders, vulnerable groups and small and medium-scale enterprises through cash and in-kind interventions. He added that a Social Protection Bill has been forwarded to institutionalise the programme and provide a clear implementation framework.
He also revealed that N100 billion has been set aside for special interventions at the local government level to address pressing community needs, based on inputs from grassroots stakeholders.
In the health sector, the Commissioner said the state would make significant investments in tertiary healthcare, including the procurement of advanced diagnostic equipment from Germany for three state-owned tertiary hospitals. Plans are also underway to expand medical education, strengthen primary healthcare delivery, recruit additional health professionals and sustain the state’s health insurance scheme.
Education remains a top priority, Ekedayen said, noting continued investment in state-owned universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, nursing and health technology institutions, as well as hundreds of primary and secondary schools. He described Delta State as an emerging education hub, citing improvements in infrastructure and learning environments.
Agriculture is expected to play a central role in the 2026 budget through a three-pronged approach involving direct government funding, private sector partnerships and large-scale agribusiness initiatives aimed at boosting food production, creating jobs and reducing post-harvest losses. He added that Delta is well positioned to benefit from the second phase of the Federal Government’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones programme.
On revenue generation, Ekedayen disclosed that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has grown by over 140 per cent since 2023, rising from N83 billion to over N200 billion, with a target of at least N250 billion in 2026. He attributed the growth to improved efficiency rather than increased tax burden on residents.
He further revealed that the state is pursuing revenue diversification through innovative initiatives such as the blue carbon market, leveraging mangrove restoration and climate finance in partnership with international organisations and the Federal Government.
Ekedayen described Governor Oborevwori as a pragmatic and experienced leader committed to leaving a lasting legacy, assuring residents that every community would feel the impact of governance in the coming year.
“From January 1, 2026, government machinery will be fully in motion. Development will deepen, projects will be reinforced, and tangible progress will be visible across the state,” he said.