The Delta State Government has earmarked about N20 billion for programmes designed to support artisans, small traders, vulnerable groups and small and medium-scale enterprises through cash and in-kind interventions in 2026. This commitment is part of the state’s broader focus on social protection as it unveiled details of its 2026 Appropriation Law, which has a total budget size of about N1.7 trillion and allocates over 70 per cent to capital expenditure to deepen infrastructure development and social investment.

Briefing journalists in Asaba, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sunny Ekedayen, said the 2026 budget, recently passed by the Delta State House of Assembly and assented to by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represents a major increase from the 2025 budget of N979 billion. He explained that the original estimate of N1.664 trillion submitted to the House was reviewed by lawmakers, leading to marginal adjustments that served the best interest of the state.

Ekedayen noted that the budget is now a legal and “live” document and will take effect from January 1, 2026. “The most significant aspect of this budget is the strong tilt towards capital expenditure. For the first time, Delta State is prioritising capital projects to the tune of over N1.165 trillion, representing at least 70 per cent of the total budget,” he said.

He described the development as historic, pointing out that the capital component of the 2026 budget is larger than the entire 2025 budget. According to him, this approach would help accelerate development across the state’s 25 local government areas and ensure that projects deliver visible impact. He added that the administration plans to begin implementation immediately. “We are determined to hit the ground running from the first day of 2026,” Ekedayen said.

The Commissioner, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu; the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Projects and Policies, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika; and the Executive Assistant on Media, Mr. Felix Ofou, said ongoing projects would be completed without abandonment. He added that new projects would be carefully selected to deliver maximum value to residents.

Ekedayen disclosed that contractors are usually mobilised up to 40 per cent to ensure timely delivery of projects, especially considering the state’s relatively short construction season. He said this approach helps reduce delays and supports better project execution across sectors.

On social protection, Ekedayen said the government has earmarked about N20 billion to support artisans, small traders, vulnerable groups and MSMEs through targeted programmes. He added that a Social Protection Bill has been sent to institutionalise the initiative and provide a clear framework for implementation. According to him, the goal is to ensure transparency, continuity and effective delivery of support.

He also said infrastructure development would be evenly spread across the state’s towns and cities. Ekedayen noted that Delta’s settlement pattern requires resources to be distributed across several urban and rural centres rather than concentrated in one location. He revealed that the government has set aside N100 billion for targeted interventions in local governments to address special community needs based on requests from grassroots stakeholders.

In the health sector, Ekedayen highlighted major investments in tertiary healthcare facilities, including the procurement of high-end diagnostic equipment from Germany for three state-owned tertiary hospitals. He said plans are also underway to expand medical education, strengthen primary healthcare, recruit additional health professionals and sustain support for the state’s health insurance scheme.

Education remains a priority, according to Ekedayen, with continued investment in state-owned universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, nursing and health technology institutions, as well as hundreds of primary and secondary schools. He described Delta as an emerging education hub, citing improvements in infrastructure and learning environments.

Agriculture is also expected to play a key role in the 2026 budget through a three-pronged strategy involving direct government funding, private sector partnerships and large-scale agribusiness initiatives. Ekedayen said the approach is aimed at boosting food production, creating jobs and reducing post-harvest losses, adding that the state is well positioned to benefit from the second batch of the Federal Government’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones initiative.

On revenue, Ekedayen said Delta State’s IGR has grown by over 140 per cent since 2023, rising from N83 billion to over N200 billion, with a target of at least N250 billion in the coming year. He attributed the growth to improved efficiency rather than increased tax burden. He also disclosed plans to diversify revenue through initiatives such as the blue carbon market, leveraging mangrove restoration and climate finance. Ekedayen described Governor Oborevwori as a practical leader focused on lasting impact. “From January 1, 2026, government machinery will be fully in motion. Development will deepen, projects will be reinforced, and every part of the state will witness tangible progress,” he said.