Delta Governor Presents N1.664 Trillion 2026 Budget proposal

• Allocates 70% to capital projects

BY EUCHARIA NZEABI, ASABA

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday presented N1.664 trillion Appropriation Bill for 2026 to the Delta State House of Assembly, with a bold 70 percent dedicated to capital expenditure, signalling an aggressive push for infrastructure expansion and socio-economic development in the 2026 fiscal year.

The presentation, held at the hallowed chamber of the Assembly Complex in Asaba, was made pursuant to Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered).

Presenting the budget Christened; “Budget of Accelerating the More Agenda”, Governor Oborevwori said the budget was crafted against the backdrop of an improving national economy, with Nigeria’s GDP projected to grow by 3.9% in 2026.

He noted that rising oil revenues, stabilising fiscal and monetary policies, tax reforms, and renewed federal efforts in tackling insecurity have rekindled hope for economic expansion and improved living standards.

The governor explained that the 2026 budget is designed to drive inclusive and sustainable growth, develop human capital, accelerate infrastructure renewal, enhance social cohesion, reduce debt exposure, and ensure better resource management.

He said that the total budget size, N499 billion (30%) is proposed for recurrent expenditure, while N1.165 trillion (70%) is earmarked for capital projects, representing a 70% increase over the 2025 appropriation.

On revenue expectations, Oborevwori stated that the state anticipates significant improvement in Federal allocations following the removal of fuel subsidy.

Statutory Allocation including mineral derivation is projected at N720 billion, ac- counting for 43.28% of total revenue, reflecting a 23.75% rise from the previous year. He also disclosed that ongoing reforms in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) collection are expected to yield N250 billion in 2026, an 86.5% increase over 2025, driven by professionalized revenue processes and a broader tax net.

The governor noted a “projected N120 billion from VAT remittances”, citing improved VAT administration at the national level, adding that capital receipts are deliberately reduced to N25 billion as the state aims to maintain a zero-borrowing posture, while N489 billion is expected from savings and oil revenue recoveries, reflecting what he described as “the fiscal discipline and prudence” of his administration.