The Delta State House of Assembly on Monday passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill, approving a total budget of ₦1.729 trillion for the coming fiscal year.
The approved figure represents an increase of ₦65.6 billion over the ₦1.664 trillion budget proposal earlier presented to the House by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori about two weeks ago.
A breakdown of the budget shows that ₦500 billion was earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.229 trillion was approved for capital projects, reflecting the state government’s emphasis on infrastructure and development-driven spending.
The passage of the Appropriation Bill followed the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriations by its Chairman, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola (Ika North-East), during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor .
The motion for the third reading and passage of the bill was moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi (Aniocha North), and seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo (Ethiope East), after which it was unanimously adopted.
Addressing lawmakers after the passage, Speaker Guwor described the development as a landmark achievement consistent with the policy direction of the Oborevwori administration.
“With the third reading and final passage of the Delta State 2026 Appropriation Bill, this Honourable House has successfully discharged one of its most critical constitutional responsibilities for the fiscal year, as provided under Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),” Guwor said.
He noted that the passage of the ₦1.729 trillion budget underscored the shared vision and strong partnership between the legislative and executive arms of government, stressing that it reflected a collective commitment to building a just, fair and equitable Delta State where no one is left behind.
According to the Speaker, the House subjected the budget to rigorous deliberation and scrutiny to ensure that the “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda” remains people-centred, inclusive and sustainable.
“The legislative framework we have provided will empower His Excellency, the Governor, to effectively deliver on his policies and programmes in 2026,” he added.
Guwor commended Governor Oborevwori for what he described as a clear vision for the state’s development, while also praising members of the House for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to the service of Deltans.
“We have worked with speed and thoroughness, and the result is a robust and forward-looking financial plan for the year 2026,” the Speaker said.
