By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
DELTA STATE Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday, presented the state’s N936.08 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.
The budget, which he termed the “Budget of Fiscal Consolidation,” prioritizes sustainable economic development, infrastructure, and the welfare of the people.
The proposed budget consists of two main components: N348.72 billion (37.25%) allocated for recurrent expenditure and N587.36 billion (62.75%) for capital expenditure.
The capital expenditure allocation is designed to support long-term investments, with a significant portion focused on improving infrastructure and stimulating economic growth across the state.
Governor Oborevwori pointed out that the 2025 budget represents a substantial increase of N211 billion, or 29%, compared to the 2024 budget, which was set at N725 billion.
The rise in the budget, he explained, is due to the realignment of the exchange rate, which has led to higher Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations and increased revenue generation from internal sources.
He emphasized that this increase would allow the state government to strengthen initiatives designed to mitigate the economic challenges faced by citizens, particularly as a result of the fuel subsidy removal.
Oborevwori revealed that the state government intends to enhance social protection programs, develop basic rural infrastructure, boost agriculture and food security, and support the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“The 2025 budget contains several initiatives aimed at cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal on our people and addressing the economic challenges it has brought,” the Governor explained.
“Our focus is on continued provision of physical infrastructure, human capital development, job creation, wealth creation, and poverty reduction in the state.”
He also provided detailed breakdowns of the key areas of focus for 2025, including N230 billion earmarked for road infrastructure, N67.42 billion for education, N30.55 billion for healthcare, N11.03 billion for water resources, and N7 billion for agriculture.
These allocations demonstrate the state government’s commitment to both physical and human capital development, ensuring access to basic services while laying the foundation for future growth.
The governor called on the State House of Assembly to expedite the passage of the budget, highlighting the importance of timely approval to meet the development goals outlined in the plan.
He stressed that the funds will be used judiciously to tackle pressing issues facing the state, especially in the areas of infrastructure, social services, and economic empowerment.
Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, commended the governor for his pragmatic approach to governance, which he said has led to unprecedented development in the state.
He also lauded the Governor for completing inherited projects from the previous administration and for ensuring fiscal discipline.
Speaker Guwor also urged the Governor to institutionalize a pre-budget planning parley between the Executive and the Legislature to foster collaboration and ensure that government priorities are aligned with available resources.
Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, the Majority Leader of the House, moved the motion for the adoption of the budget, which was seconded by Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, the Member representing Ika North East Constituency.
The budget presentation was attended by the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, and members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Abraham Ngobere, among other dignitaries.
