By Anne Azuka
The Delta State House of Assembly has passed the Delta 2026 Budget, approving a total appropriation of ₦1.73 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year, an increase of ₦65.6 billion above the proposal submitted by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The Appropriation Bill, passed on Monday at plenary in Asaba, stands at ₦1,729,881,208,779. The approved figure is higher than the ₦1.664 trillion budget estimate earlier presented to the House by the governor about two weeks ago.
A breakdown of the Delta 2026 Budget shows that ₦500 billion was allocated for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.229 trillion was approved for capital expenditure, reflecting the state government’s emphasis on infrastructure development and long-term economic growth.
The passage of the bill followed the presentation and consideration of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriations, chaired by Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, representing Ika North-East constituency.
The third reading and final passage of the Appropriation Bill were conducted during plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor. The motion for passage was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi (Aniocha North), and seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo (Ethiope East).
Addressing lawmakers after the passage, Speaker Guwor described the approval of the Delta 2026 Budget as a landmark achievement and a critical constitutional responsibility of the legislature.
“With the third reading and final passage of the Delta State 2026 Appropriation Bill, this House has successfully completed one of its most important constitutional duties as provided under Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended,” he said.
Guwor noted that the passage of the ₦1.73 trillion budget demonstrated the strong working relationship between the legislative and executive arms of government in the state. He said the process reflected a shared commitment to building a just, fair, and equitable Delta State.
According to the Speaker, the House subjected the budget proposal to rigorous scrutiny to ensure that it aligned with the policy direction of the Oborevwori administration and addressed the needs of the people.
He explained that the 2026 budget, tagged “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda,” was designed to be people-centred, inclusive, and sustainable, providing a solid framework for the implementation of government policies and programmes in the coming year.
The Speaker commended Governor Oborevwori for his vision and commitment to the development of Delta State, describing the administration’s agenda as focused on inclusive growth and improved service delivery.
He also praised members of the House for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment throughout the budget review process, noting that the legislature worked with both speed and thoroughness to deliver a comprehensive financial plan.
“The result of our collective effort is a robust and forward-looking budget that positions Delta State for accelerated development in 2026,” Guwor said.
With the passage of the Delta 2026 Budget, the Appropriation Bill is expected to be transmitted to the governor for assent, paving the way for the implementation of the state’s fiscal and development priorities in the new financial year.
