By Sunday Apah
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in Tuesday, officially signed into law Delta State’s 2026 Appropriation Bill valued at ₦1.729 trillion, aptly named the “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda.” Alongside this, he also gave assent to three additional important bills enacted by the State House of Assembly.
This approval paves the way for rapid progress, improved security measures, and enhanced social welfare programs throughout the state.
The additional legislation ratified includes the Delta State Social Investment Programme Law, the Delta State Colleges of Education Law 2025, and the Delta State Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism (Amendment) Law 2025.
During the signing ceremony, Governor Oborevwori emphasized that the 2026 budget is more than numbers; it encapsulates clear vision, decisive action, and targeted outcomes for the coming year. He assured that the state government would work diligently to expedite development in critical sectors in 2026.
The approved budget of ₦1,729,881,208,779 marks a significant increase of over 70% compared to the 2025 budget.
The Governor acknowledged that although the budget is ambitious, it is attainable. He noted that 70% of the allocation is earmarked for capital projects, while 30% will cover recurrent expenses, highlighting the administration’s focus on infrastructure-driven growth and long-term sustainability.
Reflecting on 2025, Governor Oborevwori pointed out that the state enhanced investments in infrastructure, security, fiscal discipline, and revenue generation. These efforts resulted in a higher internally generated revenue without imposing new taxes on residents.
These gains, he stated, demonstrate the effectiveness of the government’s reforms and its ongoing commitment to fortifying the state’s economy.
Governor Oborevwori further explained that the three new laws are designed to boost social welfare, education, and security within Delta State.
He said the Social Investment Programme Law establishes a legal structure aimed at providing equitable, community-based access to resources and services, especially for vulnerable and marginalized groups.
Additionally, the Colleges of Education Law 2025 standardizes the functioning of state colleges, enabling them to confer Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree qualifications simultaneously, thereby increasing their capacity to train more competent teachers.
The Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism (Amendment) Law upgrades the state’s legal framework to more effectively address terrorism, cult-related violence, and related offenses, aligning with contemporary security challenges.
Governor Oborevwori commended the Speaker, leadership, members, and staff of the Delta State House of Assembly for their prompt and collaborative work in passing the budget and accompanying bills. He also expressed gratitude to stakeholders, cabinet officials, civil servants, and citizens, extending warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a successful New Year.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, noted that the passage of these four bills followed extensive legislative deliberations, broad consultations, and detailed evaluations consistent with the Assembly’s constitutional duties.
Speaker Guwor explained that the Social Investment Programme Law institutionalizes social intervention efforts to safeguard vulnerable citizens and promote inclusive growth and fairness. The Colleges of Education Law 2025 establishes a cohesive structure to improve the quality and efficiency of teacher education while minimizing disparities among state-owned institutions.
He added that the Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism (Amendment) Law addresses new security threats and rectifies deficiencies in the original law, including clarifying the definition of cultism.
Regarding the 2026 Appropriation Law, the Speaker said the Assembly reviewed the budget sector by sector according to the MORE Agenda before approving the ₦1.729 trillion proposal.
He emphasized that the bills’ assent highlights the strong, cooperative relationship between the legislature and executive branches, unified by a shared goal of fostering a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Delta State. This partnership is expected to significantly enhance governance and socio-economic development throughout the state.
