The Delta government says it has identified improved revenue generation, prudent financial management, and responsible borrowing as key strategies to accelerate development and improve residents’ welfare.

The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sonny Ekedayen, said this on Tuesday during an engagement with ministries, departments and agencies as part of preparations for the 2027 budget in Asaba.

Mr Ekedayen said improved revenue generation through value-added tax, 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 the government’s capacity to meet recurrent obligations, particularly workers’ salaries, while creating room for more investment in development projects.

The commissioner restated that borrowing should be limited to financing productive capital projects that deliver 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.

Mr Ekedayen said the savings underscored the importance of prudent financial management and effective use of public resources to achieve 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.

(NAN)