Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the release of ₦8.4 billion to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) for the settlement of long-standing contract liabilities dating from 2010 to 2023.
The intervention is aimed at restoring contractor confidence, revitalizing grassroots development, and stimulating economic activity across the state’s oil-producing communities.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Communication, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this while briefing journalists at Government House, Asaba, after a meeting between the Governor and the Management of DESOPADEC.
Aniagwu explained that the funds would be used to pay contractors who executed verified projects for the Commission but had remained unpaid for years.
He noted that contractors owed ₦20 million and below would receive 100 per cent payment, while those owed above ₦20 million would receive 50 per cent as first installment.
He stated that the approval reinforces the Governor’s resolve to confront inherited financial burdens rather than ignore them, in line with the administration’s MORE Agenda of Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
“You will recall that not long ago, His Excellency directed the release of ₦10 billion to the State Pension Bureau to clear a substantial portion of outstanding pension liabilities.
“This is consistent with his earlier intervention on the settlement of promotion arrears. Despite the fact that many of these challenges predated his administration, he has continued to address them with courage and compassion,” Aniagwu said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor, commended the Governor for the financial intervention, describing it as a major step towards restoring trust and ensuring continuity in project delivery across oil-producing communities.
Ochonogor added that since the Oborevwori assumed office, the current DESOPADEC Management has sustained regular payments to contractors for projects executed under its watch, stressing that the newly approved funds are specifically to settle inherited contractual obligations from previous years.
He said the debts covered a range of projects including road construction, school rehabilitation, water supply schemes, jetties, and other community development initiatives.
He noted that the Governor had earlier directed the Commission to conduct an extensive audit to verify claims and ensure transparency before approving the payments.
The approval has been well received across the oil-producing areas, where communities have awaited progress on essential infrastructure and development projects.
