Delta State has approved over N42 billion for major road construction, erosion and flood control, and power infrastructure, as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori simultaneously signed into law a record N1.7 trillion 2026 budget, with more than 70 per cent earmarked for capital projects.
Briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting in Asaba, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the approvals target critical road corridors, flood-prone zones and electricity supply gaps, particularly in Udu and adjoining industrial communities.
Key road projects include Phase Two of the Old Lagos–Asaba Road (Obior–Ubulu-Uku axis), routes linking Ute-Ogbeje to Ebuenor and Ani-Nwachokor in Ika North East, and a cost review for the Ute-Ogbeje–Otolokpo road in Ndokwa West to fast-track completion. EXCO also approved erosion control works around Asaba International Airportand flood mitigation along Dennis Osadebay Way, one of Asaba’s worst-hit corridors.
Additional approvals cover internal roads in Otorho-Abraka, Imohwe Street in Ughelli, and parts of Ndokwa West, alongside energy upgrades, including the replacement of a failed 15MVA transformer, installation of 300KVA transformers, and rehabilitation of substations to stabilise power supply.
On the 2026 budget, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sunny Ekedayen, said the N1.7 trillion Appropriation Law, effective January 1, 2026, represents a sharp jump from the N979 billion 2025 budget, with N1.165 trillioncommitted to capital expenditure—larger than the entire 2025 budget.
The budget allocates N20 billion for social protection, N100 billion for targeted local government interventions, heavy investment in roads, health, education and agriculture, and procurement of high-end diagnostic equipment for tertiary hospitals. Delta’s IGR has climbed from N83 billion to over N200 billion, with a N250 billion target, driven by efficiency gains and revenue diversification.
Despite the election season, the Oborevwori administration says it will “double down on development,” follow due procurement processes, and push projects aggressively across all 25 local government areas—signalling a no-slowdown approach to governance. NIM
