The Delta State government has made significant progress in clearing its legacy debts, reducing the total amount from N463 billion to N63 billion. According to the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, the government aims to clear the outstanding balance by the first quarter of 2027. This achievement is attributed to the incumbent government's commitment to prudent financial management and responsible utilization of public resources.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Festus Ahon, explained that "legacy debts" refer to liabilities inherited from past administrations, which are now almost liquidated by the current government. Ahon also emphasized that the government has not borrowed any money since its inception, ensuring that no new debts have been added. This responsible financial management has enabled the government to allocate funds to critical sectors.
The government plans to prioritize roads and critical infrastructure in the 2027 budget to stimulate economic growth and improve access to communities across the state. Ekedayen stated that the current expenditure structure allocates approximately 70 percent to capital projects and 30 percent to recurrent expenditure. The proposed 2027 budget is expected to sustain this emphasis on capital expenditure while maintaining a smaller allocation for recurrent spending.
The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, commended the government for its reported budget performance and emphasized the importance of citizens' participation in budget preparation. Civil society organizations also welcomed the government's plans, particularly the introduction of legislation regulating housing issues. Okezie Odugala, founding coordinator of Delta State Civil Society Actors' Community, urged residents to protect public facilities and maintain environmental cleanliness.
Odugala commended the government for introducing the 13th-month salary, describing it as a significant milestone. He also encouraged residents to complement government infrastructure investments by protecting public facilities. The government's efforts to engage citizens in budget preparation and implementation have been positively received by various stakeholders.
The Delta State government's commitment to infrastructure development and agriculture is expected to drive economic growth and improve the standard of living for residents. The 2027 budget is anticipated to build on the achievements of the current administration, which has demonstrated a commitment to responsible financial management. Key stakeholders have expressed support for the government's initiatives.
The government's achievements in debt reduction and infrastructure development have been acknowledged by various stakeholders. With a focus on capital expenditure and a commitment to prudent financial management, the Delta State government is poised to drive economic growth and improve the lives of its residents. The 2027 budget is expected to prioritize critical sectors, including infrastructure and agriculture.
Key points
- The Delta State government has reduced its legacy debt from N463 billion to N63 billion and aims to clear the outstanding balance by the first quarter of 2027.
- The government plans to prioritize roads and critical infrastructure in the 2027 budget to stimulate economic growth and improve access to communities.
- The government has introduced a 13th-month salary for civil servants, which has been commended by stakeholders as a significant milestone.
