Asaba, Delta State—In a major address to the Delta State House of Assembly on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Governor Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori presented the 2026 Budget Estimates, describing it as a strategic move to prioritize “long-term economic growth that is inclusive” and balance state aspirations with “fiscal prudence.”
The Governor’s speech, delivered under an economic environment of “renewed hope” for Nigeria, placed heavy emphasis on accelerating infrastructure, strengthening social cohesion, and maintaining fiscal discipline, a core tenet of his M.O.R.E. agenda.
A Human Angle: The Road to Ode-Itsekiri and the Widow’s Hope
For Madam Grace, a trader in Warri, and countless other Deltans, the Governor’s budget is more than just numbers; it represents the promise of connection and support.
The Governor highlighted the near-completion of the Trans Warri-Ode-Itsekiri Road, which includes fifteen bridges linking ten riverine communities. This project, which has languished for nearly two decades, is now slated for commissioning in the first quarter of 2026. For residents like those in Ode-Itsekiri, this signifies an end to relying solely on precarious river transport, finally connecting them to the state’s economic hub.
Furthermore, the impact of the relaunched Widows Welfare Scheme resonated deeply. With 10,000 widows receiving monthly stipends of N150 million and free enrollment in the Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, the program has provided a vital safety net. As the Governor stated, this initiative is “non-political and cuts across religious divides,” focusing purely on ensuring vulnerable citizens do not feel “deprived or disadvantaged.”
📈 Revenue Surge Fuels Infrastructure Ambition
Governor Oborevwori reported outstanding fiscal performance, which he said underpins the ambitious 2026 budget proposal:
Soaring IGR: The state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has surged by over 90% in 18 months, jumping from N83 billion in May 2023 to N158 billion by December 2024. The administration is on track to hit N200 billion by year-end 2025—achieved by blocking leakages and widening the tax net without imposing new taxes.
Zero Debt: The Governor proudly stated that despite huge investments in infrastructure, the administration has “not borrowed a dime,” underscoring its commitment to prudent financial management and an aggressive debt repayment drive.
Worker Welfare & Pensions: The administration maintains a record of paying its substantial N16 billion monthly wage bill on or before the 25th, and recently approved N10 billion to clear the backlog of inherited pension arrears, providing relief to senior citizens.
🛣️ Key Projects Redefine Urban and Rural Life
The budget allocates significant resources to strategic infrastructure, targeting both urban congestion and rural connectivity:
Flyover Blitz: Major interventions on Federal roads are ongoing, with significant progress on flyovers at PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, and Enerhen Junction. New contracts have been awarded for flyovers at Otovwodo Junction (Ughelli) and Uromi Junction (Agbor), designed to ease daily commuter woes.
Economic Diversification: New revenue streams are being opened through the Koko/Kwale Free Trade Zone development and the Delta Azure Carbon Mosaic Project, a nature-based initiative gaining Federal government interest.
State-Wide Coverage: The Governor provided a detailed list of over 50 ongoing and completed road, bridge, and drainage projects spanning the entire 25 Local Government Areas, fulfilling the promise of equitable development.
🛡️ Security and Social Cohesion
Peace and security were highlighted as foundations for sustainable development. The recent launch of the Delta State Security Trust Fund (DSSTF) aims to consolidate funding for a new Command-and-Control Centre and the enhanced operations of the Joint Security Task Force, Operation Delta Sweep.
Social protection initiatives continue to expand, with the Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) program empowering over 307,600 beneficiaries, focusing on vulnerable groups, artisans, and female entrepreneurs.
The Governor concluded that the 2026 budget, which was enriched with input from community and professional stakeholders, is a roadmap to “a strong and inclusive economy that empowers even the most vulnerable in the society and promotes shared prosperity.”
