Delta is funding its 2026 procurement cycle and executing major development projects without contracting new debt, Commissioner for Finance, Fidelis Tilije, has said.

Mr Tilije disclosed this during a meeting with management and staff of the ministry of finance on Wednesday in Asaba.

He attributed the approach to fiscal discipline, improved revenue generation and prudent resource management.

Mr Tilije said the state’s improved financial position had also earned it the highest liquidity rating among Nigeria’s 36 states.

According to him, the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is pursuing infrastructure development while prioritising responsible borrowing and efficient public financial management.

Mr Tilije listed roads, bridges, healthcare and education among the sectors benefiting from the government’s investments.

He said the administration’s strategy was to meet its development obligations through available resources rather than accumulate additional debt.

The commissioner attributed the state’s improved revenue performance partly to the expansion of non-oil revenue sources and reforms to strengthen internally generated revenue (IGR).

He emphasised that the increase in IGR was not driven by higher tax rates but by measures to improve revenue collection.

According to him, the reforms included widening the tax net, improving compliance, professionalising revenue collection and eliminating revenue leakages.

Mr Tilije said the government was also preparing to introduce more economically viable empowerment programmes to improve livelihoods and expand opportunities for residents.

On workers’ welfare, he said the state had maintained regular salary payments to more than 60,000 personnel.

He said salaries were paid between the 24th and 25th of every month.

The commissioner also highlighted the institutionalisation of the 13th-month salary for public servants as part of the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

In the health sector, Mr Tilije said the government had sustained free medical services for pregnant women and children under five in government hospitals.

He added that the administration was upgrading primary healthcare centres across the state.

Mr Tilije assured residents that the government would sustain its commitment to fiscal responsibility, infrastructure development and human capital investment.

He called on the people of Delta to support Mr Oborevwori’s re-election bid in 2027 and expressed confidence that the administration would consolidate its achievements.

(NAN)