The Delta State Government says it has reduced the state’s legacy debt from about ₦463 billion to ₦63 billion, representing a reduction of approximately ₦400 billion, with plans to clear the outstanding balance by the first quarter of 2027.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, disclosed this during the state’s 2026 budget stakeholders’ engagement held in Asaba on Friday. He said the debt reduction reflected Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration’s commitment to prudent financial management and responsible use of public resources.
Key Highlights
- Delta State says it has reduced its legacy debt by approximately ₦400 billion, from ₦463 billion to ₦63 billion.
- The state government plans to clear the remaining debt by the first quarter of 2027.
- Roads and critical infrastructure will receive priority attention in the 2027 budget.
- The government says about 70 per cent of its expenditure is allocated to capital projects and 30 per cent to recurrent spending.
- The Asagba of Asaba and civil society representatives called for citizens’ participation and responsible use of public facilities.
Delta Targets Full Repayment of Legacy Debt by 2027
Ekedayen said the administration would continue to manage public finances carefully while directing resources towards projects capable of stimulating economic growth.
He explained that roads and other critical infrastructure would be among the major priorities of the 2027 budget, particularly projects that would improve access to communities and support economic activities across the state.
According to him, the current expenditure structure allocates approximately 70 per cent to capital projects and 30 per cent to recurrent expenditure.
He added that the proposed 2027 budget would maintain this emphasis on capital spending while keeping recurrent expenditure at a lower level.
Oborevwori Government Prioritises Infrastructure and Agriculture
The state government also indicated that infrastructure and agriculture would remain important areas of attention as it prepares its 2027 spending plan.
The proposed focus on roads and other infrastructure is expected to support movement of goods and services, improve access to communities and create conditions for economic activities.
Agriculture is also among the sectors identified in the budget engagement as part of the government’s development priorities.
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Asagba of Asaba Calls for Citizens’ Participation
The Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge, stressed the importance of involving residents and other stakeholders in the budget preparation process.
He commended the state government for its reported budget performance and underscored the need for citizens to contribute to decisions concerning public spending.
Civil society organisations (CSOs) also welcomed plans by the Delta State House of Assembly to introduce legislation regulating housing issues.
The stakeholders’ engagement provided an opportunity for government officials, traditional institutions and civil society representatives to discuss priorities and make recommendations ahead of the 2027 budget.
Residents Urged to Protect Public Infrastructure
A participant identified as Odugala urged residents to protect public facilities and maintain environmental cleanliness, saying citizens must complement government investments in infrastructure.
He said: “Government cannot continue to build infrastructure, then citizens begin to destroy them.”
Odugala also commended the state government for introducing the 13th-month salary, describing the initiative as a significant milestone.
The government is expected to incorporate relevant stakeholder contributions into the proposed 2027 budget as it pursues its development priorities and works towards clearing the remaining legacy debt.
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