(R-L) Delta Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, flanked by others during an engagement with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as part of preparations for the 2027 budget on Tuesday in Asaba
Revenue
The Delta Government says it has identified improved revenue generation, prudent financial management and responsible borrowing as key strategies for accelerating development and improving residents’ welfare.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, stated this on Tuesday during an engagement with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as part of preparations for the 2027 budget on Tuesday in Asaba.
Ekedayen said improved revenue generation through Value Added Tax (VAT), expanded tax collection and efficient revenue administration had strengthened the state’s fiscal position and reduced its reliance on borrowing.
He disclosed that the state’s debt-to-revenue ratio, previously reported at 97 per cent, had dropped considerably following improvements in revenue generation.
According to him, increased revenue has strengthened government’s capacity to meet recurrent obligations, particularly workers’ salaries, while creating room for more investment in development projects.
The commissioner emphasised that borrowing should be limited to financing productive capital projects capable of delivering lasting economic and social benefits, rather than recurrent expenditure.
He disclosed that capital projects currently being implemented in the state were valued at approximately N1.72 trillion, with about N500 billion reportedly sourced from savings accumulated over two years.
Ekedayen said the savings underscored the importance of prudent financial management and effective utilisation of public resources in achieving development objectives.
He urged the MDAs to prioritise projects and programmes that would deliver measurable benefits to residents, particularly in healthcare, education, infrastructure and other critical sectors.
The commissioner emphasised that improved revenue mobilisation and disciplined spending must translate to better public services, employment opportunities and improved living conditions for citizens.
He called for transparency, accountability and effective implementation of government projects to ensure that available resources were channelled toward the state’s development priorities.
Ekedayen expressed optimism that sustained improvements in revenue generation, prudent expenditure management and responsible borrowing would strengthen Delta’s fiscal position and accelerate sustainable development.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ministries of Information, Works, Health, Environment, among others, appeared before the commissioner to defend their 2027 budget proposals.(NAN)
MOA/CHOM
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma
Source: News Agency of Nigeria
