By Anne Azuka
The Delta State Executive Council (Exco) has approved a proposed budget of N936 billion for the 2025 fiscal year. This decision was made during an Exco meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Following the meeting, the State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, revealed that the budget allocates N587.4 billion (62.75%) to capital expenditures and N348.7 billion (37.25%) to recurrent expenditures. Ekedayen, accompanied by the Commissioners for Information, Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), and Riverine Infrastructure, noted that the budget is based on an exchange rate of N1,300 per dollar.
Ekedayen commented, “This budget of N936,078,818,719 is divided into N587.4 billion for capital and N348.7 billion for recurrent expenses. The budget reflects our commitment to key sectors and a balanced approach between expenditures.”
He added that the proposed budget is 29.12% larger than the 2024 budget, underscoring the state’s commitment to development in agriculture, youth empowerment, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Ekedayen also emphasized that the budget will be fully funded without borrowing, relying primarily on allocations from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) and internally generated revenue, which is projected to reach N140 billion.
Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, stated that Exco approved numerous projects benefiting communities across Delta State. With the two-year anniversary of the current administration approaching, Exco urged all ministry heads to ensure quality oversight, insisting on high standards and no tolerance for substandard work.
Among the other resolutions, Exco confirmed key appointments, including HRM Dr. Greg N. Oputa as the Obi of Aboh in Ndokwa East and Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, as the Asagba of Asaba in Oshimili South. Several infrastructure projects were also approved, including road rehabilitations and new constructions across the state, such as the Ugwhrughelli/Ehidi road, Amechi Aguisi Street in Asaba, and the oil road in Jeddo, Okpe LGA.
The Commissioner for Works, Rural and Riverine Roads, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, noted that contractors delayed on projects for over a year without progress will face review. Aniagwu highlighted approved projects like the Uzere Asaba-Ase Bridge reconstruction and internal roads in Isoko South and Ika North East.
The Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure, Hon. Ebikeme Clark, added that Exco ratified the Governor’s approval for constructing a Model Secondary School in Oporoza and an access road to the Nigerian Maritime University in Okerenkoko. He praised the Governor’s commitment to riverine communities, stating that these developments align with the administration’s dedication to opening up communities for business and growth.
