The Delta State Government says it has reduced the state’s legacy debt from N463 billion to N63 billion, representing a N400 billion reduction, with plans to liquidate the outstanding balance by the first quarter of 2027.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, disclosed this recently in Asaba during the state’s 2026 Budget Stakeholders’ Engagement, attributing the achievement to prudent financial management and the responsible deployment of public resources by the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Ekedayen said the significant reduction in the state’s debt burden reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening its financial position while creating room for sustainable development.
He explained that roads and other critical infrastructure would receive priority attention in the 2027 budget as part of efforts to stimulate economic activities, improve connectivity and open up communities across the state.
According to him, the state’s current expenditure framework allocates approximately 70 per cent to capital projects and 30 per cent to recurrent expenditure, a structure the government intends to sustain in the proposed 2027 budget to ensure that more resources are channelled towards development projects.
The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, who also spoke at the engagement, underscored the importance of citizens’ participation in the budget preparation process and commended the state government for its reported budget performance.
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the event also welcomed the proposed move by the Delta State House of Assembly to introduce legislation to regulate housing matters in the state.
In his remarks, Odugala urged residents to protect public infrastructure and maintain environmental cleanliness, stressing that citizens must complement government efforts by safeguarding facilities provided for their benefit.
He said government could not continue to invest in infrastructure only for such facilities to be vandalised or destroyed by the same people they were intended to serve.
Odugala also commended the state government for introducing the 13th-month salary, describing the initiative as a significant milestone in staff welfare and an additional demonstration of the administration’s commitment to workers.
