Delta State proposes ambitious N936bn budget for 2025

The Delta State Government has unveiled an ambitious proposal for the 2025 fiscal year, presenting a budget worth N936 billion to the State House of Assembly for thorough review and deliberation.

This announcement came from Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, the State Commissioner for Economic Planning, during a press briefing at the Government House in Asaba following a State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Joining Mr. Ekedayen at the briefing were Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, Commissioner for Information; Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads); and Mr. Ebikeme Clark, Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure.

Highlighting the budget’s structure, Ekedayen detailed that capital expenditure would dominate at N587.4 billion, or 62.75% of the total, while recurrent expenditure is set at N348.7 billion, constituting 37.25%.

The budget framework is predicated on an exchange rate of N1,300 per dollar. However, this benchmark has raised questions due to the current exchange rate, which surpasses N1,650 per dollar on the official market, with no strong indicators suggesting a substantial appreciation in 2025.

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Addressing this point, Mr. Ekedayen acknowledged the strategic financial planning and noted, “This budget reflects our commitment to key sectors with a balanced approach between recurrent and capital expenditures.”

He added, “This 2025 proposal is 29.12% larger than the current year’s budget, demonstrating our dedication to advancing the state’s development.”

The budget’s focal areas span vital sectors such as agriculture, support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), youth empowerment, tourism, entertainment, social welfare through poverty alleviation programs, physical infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

While acknowledging that the proposed budget requires further legislative review, Mr. Ekedayen assured that it would be formally submitted to the State House of Assembly for deliberation.

Emphasizing fiscal responsibility, he stated that Governor Oborevwori’s administration is committed to maintaining transparency and accountability, ensuring that the budget will be funded organically, without resorting to borrowing.

A significant portion of the budget will be supported by allocations from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), complemented by internally generated revenue (IGR).

Ekedayen projected that Delta State’s IGR would exceed N140 billion, reinforcing the funding base alongside federal contributions.

He noted that this strategy underlines the administration’s determination to achieve economic sustainability and strategic development without accruing debt.