By Abiola Olawale
The Delta State Government has officially endorsed the submission of a proposed budget amounting to N936 billion naira for the fiscal year 2025 before the State House of Assembly for review and deliberation.
The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, during a press briefing that followed a meeting of the State Executive Council.
Ekedayen said the resolution was reached during a meeting, which was chaired by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and took place at the Government House in Asaba, Delta State.
During the press conference, Ekedayen was joined by the Commissioners for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza; Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu; and Riverine Infrastructure, Mr Ebikeme Clark.
Speaking further, Ekedayen provided a detailed explanation of the proposed budget, which allocates a substantial amount of N587.4 billion, representing approximately 62.75%, to capital expenditure.
Meanwhile, according to the Commissioner, recurrent expenditure is allocated N348.7 billion, accounting for about 37.25% of the total budget sum.
The budget framework for the year 2025 is predicated on an exchange rate of N1,300 for one dollar, although the Naira is currently trading at over N1650 against the US dollar in the official market.
He said: “This budget reflects our commitment to key sectors with a balanced approach between recurrent and capital expenditures.
“This 2025 proposal is 29.12 per cent larger than the current year 2024 budget, demonstrating our dedication to advancing the state’s development.
“Our focus areas remain clear: agriculture; support for micro, small, and medium enterprises; youth empowerment; tourism; entertainment; social safety nets through poverty alleviation; physical infrastructure; healthcare; and education.
“While this provides an overview of the proposed budget, it is still subject to review and will be officially transmitted to the State House of Assembly for further deliberation,”
Ekedayen assured the public that the upcoming 2025 budget is designed with a commitment to fiscal integrity, saying it will be entirely funded through organic sources and without any borrowing.
He elaborated that a significant share of the budget will be supported by allocations from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), while internally generated revenue will serve as a secondary source of funding.
The commissioner projected that the state’s internally generated revenue would reach at least N140 billion, adding that this revenue, alongside federal allocations, would serve as the primary funding source for the 2025 project proposals.
