The Delta State Executive Council (EXCO) on Monday, November 11, 2024 approved a proposed budget of N936 billion for the 2025 fiscal year.
The announcement was made following an EXCO meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sonny Ekedayen provided an in-depth breakdown of the proposed budget, which earmarks N587.4 billion (62.75%) for capital expenditure and N348.7 billion (37.25%) for recurrent expenditure.
Breakdown of the 2025 Budget
Ekedayen, alongside the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, and other commissioners, clarified the structure and guiding principles behind the budget. He outlined: Total Budget: N936,078,818,719 billion.
Capital Expenditure: N587,361,060,084 billion (62.75%) and Recurrent Expenditure: N348,717,758,635 billion (37.25%).
This budget reflects a 29.12% increase from the previous year, underscoring Delta State’s commitment to economic and infrastructural growth.
The proposed budget focuses on key sectors like agriculture, MSME support, youth empowerment, tourism, entertainment, social safety nets, healthcare, education, and physical infrastructure development.
Ekedayen also highlighted that the 2025 budget will be funded entirely organically, without borrowing.
The state will rely primarily on allocations from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), supplemented by its internally generated revenue (IGR), projected to reach N140 billion.
This approach aligns with the Oborevwori administration’s transparency and accountability objectives.
Key Areas of Focus in the 2025 Budget
- Economic Development: Supporting agriculture, small businesses, youth empowerment, tourism, and entertainment industries.
- Social Safety Nets: Emphasis on poverty alleviation programs and initiatives to improve citizens’ quality of life.
- Infrastructure and Urban Development: Significant allocations are set aside for physical infrastructure, healthcare, and education enhancements.
Approved Infrastructure Projects: EXCO approved multiple infrastructure projects across Delta State, aimed at fostering community development and improving accessibility.
Road Rehabilitation and Construction: Rehabilitation of Ugwhru-Ghelli/Ehidi road and construction of Chief Lyn Ivie Akporiche Street, Ughelli North LGA, and Amechi Aguisi Street in Asaba.
Oil Road/Old Okpe Road construction in Jeddo, Okpe LGA.
Ejeba Road Extension, Jelink Road, and Olomoro Road Extension in Isoko South LGA.
Reconstruction of Uzere-Asaba-Ase Bridge and adjoining roads in Ndokwa East and Isoko South LGAs.
Six internal roads in Isoko South and the Alisimie-Owa-Nta Road in Ika North East LGA.
Internal roads and drainage at NYSC Orientation Camp, Issele-Uku in Aniocha North LGA.
Access road to the Air Force base at Osubi Airport, and Opete Road by Plantation City to Opete Waterside in Udu LGA.
The Commissioner for Works, Rural and Riverine Roads, Charles Aniagwu, added that EXCO has issued a directive to terminate contracts with companies that have failed to mobilize for over a year. This move aims to ensure efficiency and timely completion of projects.
Education and Community Development: Construction of a Model Secondary School in Oporoza, and an access road to Nigeria Maritime University Okerenkoko, Warri South-West LGA.
According to the Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure, Ebikeme Clark, the governor has prioritized road access to the Nigerian Maritime University, a federal institution, connecting its temporary and permanent sites, a development welcomed by riverine communities.
