The Delta State Government has announced that it has reduced the state’s legacy debt from ₦463 billion to ₦63 billion, representing an 86 per cent reduction, 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 government’s 2026 Budget Stakeholders’ Engagement held in Asaba, where he outlined the administration’s financial position and priorities for the 2027 fiscal year.
Ekedayen said the reduction in the state’s inherited debt reflected Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration’s commitment to prudent financial management and responsible utilisation of public resources.
According to him, the government is determined to eliminate the remaining ₦63 billion debt by the first quarter of 2027, effectively bringing the state’s legacy debt burden to an end.He explained that the government’s debt management efforts were part of broader measures to strengthen the state’s finances and create more room for development projects. Delta Prioritizes Roads, Infrastructure in 2027 Budget
The commissioner also disclosed that roads and critical infrastructure would receive priority attention in the state’s 2027 budget as the government seeks to stimulate economic growth and improve connectivity across communities.
He explained that the state currently allocates approximately 70 per cent of its expenditure to capital projects, while recurrent expenditure accounts for the remaining 30 per cent.
According to him, the proposed 2027 budget would maintain the emphasis on capital expenditure while ensuring that recurrent spending remains relatively lower.
The government said the strategy was intended to sustain infrastructure development, improve access to communities and create an enabling environment for economic activities across Delta State.
Speaking at the event, the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, emphasised the importance of citizens’ participation in the budget preparation process.
The traditional ruler commended the state government for its reported budget performance and stressed that involving residents and relevant stakeholders in fiscal planning would promote transparency, accountability and inclusive development.
He noted the importance of ensuring that government spending reflects the needs and aspirations of the people.
Meanwhile, representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) at the engagement welcomed plans by the Delta State House of Assembly to introduce legislation regulating housing-related issues.
They also called on residents to protect public infrastructure and maintain environmental cleanliness to complement the government’s investment in roads and other public facilities.
A CSO representative, Odugala, cautioned against the destruction of government infrastructure, stressing that citizens had a responsibility to safeguard public assets.
Government cannot continue to build infrastructure, then citizens begin to destroy them,” he said.
The civil society representatives also commended Governor Oborevwori for introducing the 13th-month salary initiative, describing it as a measure acknowledged by workers and stakeholders.
The engagement provided an opportunity for government officials, traditional institutions and civil society groups to discuss the state’s financial position, development priorities and proposed spending direction ahead of the 2027 budget.
