ASABA – On Monday, December 15, 2025, the Delta State House of Assembly passed the Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year, approving a budget of ₦1.729 trillion. This marks an increase of ₦65.5 billion from the original proposal of ₦1.664 trillion submitted by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Following the signing of the bill into law at the Government House, Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor addressed the media, stating that the increase stemmed from rigorous legislative reviews that identified urgent needs across various sectors in the state.
Guwor highlighted that after comprehensive consultations with stakeholders, the House approved a revised capital budget of ₦1.229 trillion and recurrent expenditure of ₦500 billion, culminating in the total budget of ₦1.729 trillion.
“The proposal presented was thoroughly examined by legislators, who recognized areas necessitating additional funding,” Guwor explained, as noted in a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, CPS Nkem Nwaeke.
A significant driver of the budget increase is the newly enacted Social Investment Programme Law, which allocates ₦10 billion in the 2026 budget. “This programme, among other important initiatives, contributed to the overall budget enhancement,” the Speaker added.
Accompanied by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, House Leader Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, Chief Whip Perkins Umukoro, and Deputy Chief Whip Fred Martins, Guwor emphasized that the decision to increase the budget was a collective effort focused on prioritizing the needs of Deltans.
“This initiative is not about personal agendas but about the responsibilities of the House towards the citizens,” he asserted.
The Speaker assured that robust oversight mechanisms would be instituted, enabling various standing committees to monitor ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to ensure compliance with the approved budget. “With diligent oversight, MDAs will be held accountable for executing the budget as legislated,” Guwor affirmed.
The 2026 Appropriation Law, titled “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda,” was ratified following a third reading moved by Hon. Emeka Nwaobi and seconded by Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo.
