Delta Governor Shocks Nation: ₦1.664 Trillion Budget Without Borrowing!
By Passman Akpos
In a bold and unprecedented move, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has unveiled a ₦1.664 trillion 2026 budget with no new borrowing, a decision that is sending strong ripples across Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.
Many analysts and citizens alike have expressed disbelief, with questions buzzing: “Ossai Ovie Success, the ₦1.664 trillion budget is massive… and he is not borrowing?” Yet, the governor’s strategy is rooted in fiscal prudence and long-term economic foresight.
By refusing to add to the state’s debt stock, Delta avoids escalating debt servicing costs, freeing resources to improve service delivery instead of paying interest. Experts say this zero‑borrowing stance signals financial discipline, boosting investor confidence and enhancing Delta’s creditworthiness for future non-debt capital inflows.
The ambitious budget relies heavily on internal revenue generation, with a staggering ₦250 billion target—an 86.5% jump from last year. Aggressive reforms such as plugging revenue leakages, widening the tax net, and professionalizing collection are expected to underpin this drive.
Even as statutory allocations (₦720 billion) and VAT (₦120 billion) form roughly 50% of the revenue, Governor Oborevwori’s plan remains bold, navigating post-fuel subsidy realities while allocating 70% of the budget (≈₦1.165 trillion) to capital projects. This promises accelerated infrastructure rollout across roads, healthcare, education, water, job creation, and industrial development—all without the drag of debt.
The ripple effects are profound: non-debt funding will strengthen investor confidence, stimulate private-sector growth, and reinforce the governor’s “More Agenda” for sustainable, inclusive development. Citizens can anticipate transparent, accountable governance, tangible project delivery, and a strengthened sense of social cohesion.
Governor Oborevwori’s decision is a calculated gamble on fiscal discipline, aggressive revenue mobilization, and visionary development, setting Delta State apart as a model of financial prudence in Nigeria.
Delta has spoken: big budget, no borrowing, all impact.
