ASABA — The Delta State Executive Council has approved the key fiscal documents for the preparation of the state’s 2027 budget, raising its oil production planning benchmark from 1.70 million barrels per day in the 2026 budget to 1.75 million barrels per day, while approving a ₦250,000 empowerment grant for at least 15,000 indigent residents.
Key Highlights
- Delta Executive Council approves fiscal documents to guide the preparation of the 2027 budget.
- The state raises its oil production planning benchmark to 1.75 million barrels per day from 1.70 million.
- At least 15,000 indigent residents across Delta’s 25 local government areas are to receive ₦250,000 each under an empowerment programme.
- Council approves compensation for land acquired for agricultural purposes in Delta Central Senatorial District.
- Several road construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation projects receive approval across the state.
- Governor directs the Ministry of Health to develop plans for regular medical outreaches in riverine communities.
- Council approves a digital transit civil service clubhouse at the new state secretariat.
Delta Approves Fiscal Framework for 2027 Budget
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, disclosed the decisions on Friday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House Press Centre in Asaba.
Flanked by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, Aniagwu said the council approved the Economic and Fiscal Updates, Fiscal Strategy Paper and Budget Policy Paper.
He explained that the documents would provide the economic estimates, fiscal projections and policy guidelines needed to prepare the 2027 budget.
According to him, the state government is optimistic that relative stability in the naira, which he attributed to policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, would make economic planning easier.
However, he cautioned that a possible decline in international crude oil prices compared with the assumptions underpinning the 2026 budget could affect revenue accruing to the state from the Federation Account.
Delta is using an oil production benchmark of 1.75 million barrels per day for its 2027 planning assumptions, compared with 1.70 million barrels per day in the previous budget.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding oil revenue, Aniagwu said improved exchange-rate stability could support more effective fiscal planning.
Delta to Give ₦250,000 Each to 15,000 Indigent Residents
The commissioner also announced that the Executive Council had approved an empowerment programme targeting at least 15,000 indigent persons across Delta State’s 25 local government areas.
Under the programme, each beneficiary is expected to receive ₦250,000 to establish or expand a business and improve their livelihood.
Aniagwu said the initiative would be implemented through the state’s social investment structure in the coming weeks.
He explained that the programme was designed to strengthen the purchasing power of vulnerable residents and help small businesses cope with economic challenges associated with ongoing reforms.
The selection process, he added, would follow clearly defined criteria to ensure that the funds reach the intended beneficiaries.
Eligible participants are expected to include operators of nano and micro businesses, individuals seeking to establish businesses and indigent residents requiring financial support.
If all 15,000 beneficiaries receive the full ₦250,000 grant, the programme would involve a total allocation of ₦3.75 billion.
Read also:
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Council Approves Compensation for Agricultural Land
In another development, the Executive Council approved compensation for land acquired by the state government for agricultural purposes in the Central Senatorial District.
Aniagwu said the decision followed discussions at the state’s economic summit, where participants highlighted the need to attract large-scale agricultural investors from within and outside Nigeria.
He said the initiative would strengthen the state’s land bank, improve access to land for agricultural investment and encourage more young people to venture into large-scale farming.
The commissioner added that the initiative was also intended to help existing farmers expand their operations and increase agricultural productivity.
Delta Approves Major Road Construction and Rehabilitation Projects
The council also approved several road construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation projects as part of the state government’s urban renewal and infrastructure development programmes.
In Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, the council approved an extension of the ongoing flyover project at Uromi Junction to College Junction.
Aniagwu said the government was also considering further interventions along the Otor Bridge corridor to improve connectivity.
Other approved projects include:
- Construction of Ehimofer Street in Ruruben and Iwizu Street in Boji-Boji, Ika South Local Government Area, under Phase One.
- Reconstruction of internal roads in Emede, Isoko South Local Government Area, covering Phases One and Two.
- Reconstruction of Warri Inner Ring Road, Phase One, from First Marine Gate to Old Port Gate.
- Reconstruction of the dual carriageway from Old Port Gate to the Effurun Expressway.
- Rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Airport Road in the Warri and Uvwie areas.
The projects are expected to support road connectivity, improve transportation and contribute to infrastructure development across the state.
Delta Plans Regular Medical Outreaches in Riverine Communities
Aniagwu disclosed that the governor had directed the Ministry of Health to explore ways to sustain medical outreaches in riverine communities following the response to a recent exercise in communities affected by oil spillage.
He said the initial outreach followed the governor’s visit to affected communities, where environmental damage had raised concerns about residents’ welfare.
According to the commissioner, the programme attracted considerable interest, with some residents travelling by boat from outside the immediate affected areas to access free medical services.
The governor consequently directed the Ministry of Health to develop a framework for conducting the outreaches more regularly to improve healthcare access for people living in riverine communities.
Council Approves Civil Service Clubhouse
The Executive Council also approved the construction of a digital transit civil service clubhouse at the new state secretariat.
Aniagwu said the facility would provide civil servants with a space to hold meetings, interact and relax, particularly after official working hours.
He clarified that the clubhouse was intended to promote staff welfare and social interaction rather than serve as an entertainment venue.
Governor Commends Outgoing Head of Service
The commissioner said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service, Dr Minnie Oseji, for her service, reforms, dedication and commitment to the state civil service.
Aniagwu added that the governor urged members of the State Executive Council to maintain good conduct and treat members of the public with respect, regardless of political differences.
According to him, Oborevwori emphasised that respect for the public was a mark of integrity and advised cabinet members to exercise restraint when confronted with provocation.
The Executive Council meeting began with a moment of silence in honour of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, who died on October 19, 2026.
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