N1.729 Trillion Budget Becomes Law in Delta as Governor Signs Historic Bill

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday formally signed into law the state’s 2026 Appropriation Bill, approving a total budget of N1.729 trillion tagged the “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda.”

In addition to the main budget, the governor also gave assent to three other key bills recently passed by the Delta State House of Assembly. These include the Delta State Social Investment Programme Law, the Delta State Colleges of Education Law, 2025, and the Delta State Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism (Amendment) Law, 2025.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Oborevwori described the 2026 budget as more than a financial document, calling it a clear roadmap for vision, action and measurable outcomes over the next year. He assured residents that his administration would move swiftly in 2026 to fast-track development across critical sectors of the state’s economy.

The N1.729 trillion spending plan represents an increase of more than 70 per cent compared to the 2025 budget, with a strong emphasis on development projects. About 70 per cent of the total allocation is dedicated to capital expenditure, while 30 per cent is set aside for recurrent spending, underscoring the government’s commitment to infrastructure growth and long-term sustainability.

Reflecting on the outgoing year, the governor highlighted progress recorded in infrastructure delivery, security, fiscal discipline and revenue generation. He noted that internally generated revenue improved significantly without placing additional financial pressure on residents.

Oborevwori also expressed appreciation to the Speaker of the House, members of the legislature, assembly staff, stakeholders and the people of Delta State for their support, while extending festive goodwill to all Deltans.

Earlier, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, explained that the bills were passed after extensive legislative engagement, broad consultations and detailed scrutiny. He said the Social Investment Programme Law formalises government welfare initiatives, the Colleges of Education Law strengthens teacher training and educational standards, while the amended Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism Law updates the legal framework to address evolving security challenges.

On the 2026 Appropriation Law, Guwor revealed that lawmakers examined the budget in detail, reviewing allocations sector by sector in line with the MORE Agenda before approving the N1.729 trillion estimate. He stressed that the governor’s assent reflects a strong working relationship between the executive and legislative arms, driven by a shared commitment to good governance and socio-economic development in Delta State.