Asaba, Delta State (Nigeria): In a bold move to honour retirees and ease financial strain, the Delta State Government has approved ₦10 billion to settle long-standing pension liabilities.
The state Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, who briefed the press, said the approval was part of the decisions reached at the State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Asaba, on Thursday.
He said the meeting was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, adding that Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori was on an official engagement outside the state.
Aniagwu was flanked by his counterparts from Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen; Housing, Mr Godknows Angele, respectively and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon.
He said the council deliberated on several life-impacting memos cutting across social investment, infrastructure, and governance reforms.
According to Aniagwu, the N10 billion disbursement is in fulfilment of the governor’s promise to ease the hardship of pensioners and to defray inherited pension liabilities.
“At today’s meeting, we approved the disbursement of.N10 billion to begin the process of defraying pension arrears.
“A committee has been set up to ensure the funds get to deserving beneficiaries without bias or interference.”
He said the move was part of the administration’s broader commitment to improving the welfare of citizens under the M.O.R.E. Agenda and making life more livable for senior citizens who had served the state diligently.
The commissioner also said that the council reviewed timelines for key infrastructure projects, including two major flyovers in Agbor (Uromi Junction) and Ughelli (Otovwodo Junction), being handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
“The Agbor flyover, initially scheduled for completion in 24 months, has been revised to 18 months, while the Ughelli flyover has been reduced from 24 to 14 months.
“These adjustments are aimed at delivering the projects faster to ease movement and boost economic activities”.
He said the council also considered the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which was presented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, as part of preparations for the 2026 budget, for onward presentation to the State House of Assembly.
Aniagwu disclosed that the government terminated some non-performing contracts across the state to ensure efficient project delivery and value for money.
“Some contractors have failed to meet performance expectations, and since the government promptly mobilises and pays for certified work, we cannot allow delays or negligence,” he said.
According to him, the affected projects include the Igbodo Junction–Ubulu–Uku to Ogwashi-Uku Road, which will be re-examined and re-awarded to a competent contractor in line with the governor’s resolve to open up communities across the 25 local government areas of the state.
He said that the council also approved the formal presentation of the Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Engr. Mike Oghenovo Orugbo, Okporua I, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, following his installation by the kingmakers of the kingdom.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to people-oriented governance, transparency, and accelerated infrastructural renewal across the state.
Aniagwu said: “Gov. Oborevwori has made it clear that projects must deliver value to Deltans. Where contractors fail, we will not hesitate to act in the interest of our people.”
He assured that this current administration would continue to prioritise human welfare, infrastructural development, and institutional reforms aimed at sustainable growth and prosperity for the people.
On his part, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Ekedayen, explained that the council’s approval of the MTEF was a requirement for the preparation of the 2026 budget.
He stated that the MTEF has considered relevant parameters based on current realities, with a target of 1.7 million barrels per day of crude oil production.
He added that the official exchange rate of N1,500 to a Dollar, a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 3.4 per cent, and an inflation rate of about 23 per cent, plus the state’s internally generated revenue, were also taken into consideration.
According to him, no fixed amount has been pegged as the state budget for 2026 until the MTEF gets the nod of the State House of Assembly.
“But there will be at least a 50 per cent rise in our 2026 budget above what we have this year. On our budget performance, capital projects and current expenditure recorded about 96 per cent and 86 per cent as at June.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Housing, Angele, disclosed that the state government has also approved the construction of the Judges’ quarters, comprising 10 four-bedroom duplexes, in two locations: Asaba and Warri.
According to him, a five-four-broom duplex will be constructed in Asaba, while another five will be built in the Warr/Osubi axis.
