The Delta State House of Assembly on Monday approved the 2026 Appropriation Bill at N1.729 trillion, marking an increase of N65.5 billion from the N1.664 trillion initially proposed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Speaking to journalists after the Governor signed the budget into law at Government House, Asaba, Speaker Rt. Hon. Dennis Guwor explained that the boost followed a thorough legislative review across all sectors, which identified pressing areas requiring immediate funding.
“The initial proposal was a framework. Our detailed sector-by-sector examination revealed urgent priorities that demanded attention,” Guwor said.
He noted that after consultations with key stakeholders, the Assembly approved a capital expenditure of N1.229 trillion and recurrent spending of N500 billion, culminating in the final approved figure of N1.729 trillion.
A significant contributor to the budgetary increase, the Speaker said, is the newly enacted Social Investment Programme Law, which carries a N10 billion allocation in the 2026 budget.
“This programme alone accounts for a considerable portion of the additional funds. Other sectors were also adjusted to meet the immediate needs of the people,” Guwor added.
The Speaker, flanked by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, House Leader Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, Chief Whip Perkins Umukoro, and Deputy Chief Whip Fred Martins, stressed that the decision reflected the collective will of the House to safeguard the welfare of Deltans, rather than advancing personal agendas.
“This increase is about the House and the citizens of Delta State. Our focus is ensuring that the interests of the people are prioritised,” Guwor said.
The Speaker also pledged stringent oversight over budget implementation, assuring that the state’s ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) would be closely monitored to ensure lawful execution of projects and programmes.
“With robust oversight, MDAs will be required to implement the budget exactly as approved by the House,” he emphasised.
The 2026 Appropriation Law, titled “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda,” was passed following a third reading at plenary, moved by House Leader Hon. Emeka Nwaobi (Aniocha North) and seconded by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo (Ethiope East).
