The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has criticized the state government’s 2025 budget, describing it as a collection of vague promises devoid of measurable objectives.
The N935 billion budget allocates 65 percent of proposed expenditure to capital projects, a decision the APC claims is both unsustainable and riddled with potential loopholes for corruption.
In a statement issued on November 20, 2024, and signed by the party’s state Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, the APC highlighted the state’s heavy reliance on federal allocations to fund the budget, a situation it said is further compounded by the poor internally generated revenue projections.
The party argued that the government’s failure to address declining internal revenue generation, suggests an inability to effectively finance the proposed capital projects, potentially leading to increased debts and uncompleted projects.
“Without a strong, sustainable increase in internally generated revenue, there is every likelihood that the state government will be unable to fund its capital expenditure plans, potentially leading to debt accumulation for which the state is notorious,” Onojeghuo said.
He called on the state government to prioritize revenue collection and diversify income sourcesz to ensure financial stability and the execution of human capital development initiatives.
The APC also expressed concerns over the alleged neglect of critical sectors, such as education, healthcare, and social services, which it believe are essential for improving the quality of life for Delta residents.
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“Focusing heavily on capital expenditure has invariably led the state government to overlook other critical areas that directly impact the lives of ordinary Deltans,” the statement read.
The opposition party further criticized the budget for lacking transparency and measurable objectives, describing it as a document filled with broad categories and little detail on funds allocation or expected economic impacts.
“This opacity raises concerns about accountability and the proper management of state resources,” Onojeghuo added.
The APC also accused the administration of Hov. Sheriff Oborevwori of failing to provide targeted funding for job creation and local business support, labeling it a missed opportunity to address the state’s economic challenges.
The party warned that neglecting these areas would hamper Delta State’s ability to attract investments and foster economic growth.
The APC called on the state government to urgently revise its approach by incorporating detailed plans to boost internally generated revenue, diversify revenue streams, and improve governance, just as it reiterated its alignment with well-meaning Deltans who have voiced similar criticisms of the budget’s inadequacies.
“The Sheriff Oborevwori administration must, as a matter of urgency, address these issues, which are vital for ensuring the fiscal sustainability and economic viability of the state in light of prevailing economic realities,” the APC stated.
