By Festus Ahon
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s assumption of office on May 29, 2023, marked a pivotal moment in Delta State’s governance, setting in motion his M.O.R.E Agenda — Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security. Two years on, tangible achievements underscore a leadership defined by inclusivity, strategic reform, and fiscal prudence.
The state’s revenue performance has been particularly noteworthy. Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) surged by nearly 90 percent, rising from N83 billion in 2023 to N158 billion in 2024, with projections pointing to N165 billion in 2025. This significant growth was achieved without increasing personal income taxes, a feat attributed to ongoing reforms within the revenue service and a governance approach that encourages tax compliance through visible improvements in public services.
Delta’s debt profile has also seen marked improvement, with the total debt reduced by 46 percent, from N465.3 billion at the beginning of Oborevwori’s administration to N249.2 billion by the end of 2024.
In a bold move to improve workers’ welfare, the state now pays a monthly minimum wage of N77,500, significantly above the national benchmark. This adjustment has raised the state’s monthly wage bill from N11.5 billion to N15.3 billion.
Civil service reforms have also gained momentum. Over 8,000 public servants, including 450 senior management staff, have undergone capacity-building training. Additionally, over 3,000 teaching and non-teaching staff have been recruited into primary schools across the state’s local government areas.
Infrastructure support has also been extended to enhancing administrative efficiency, with new vehicles distributed to permanent secretaries to improve mobility.
Strategic infrastructure delivery remains a cornerstone of the administration. Over 513 roads and bridges, covering more than 1,500 km of roads and 950 km of drainage channels are undergoing construction even as a reasonable number of the projects have been completed. Notable projects include the Ultra-Modern High Court Complex, inaugurated by former President Goodluck Jonathan; three flyovers and a sleepway interchange in the Warri/Effurun axis; and the Okpanam-Ibusa Bypass in Asaba.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration has executed a wide range of road projects across Delta State, touching both urban centers and remote communities. Among the prominent ones is the Ughelli–Asaba dual carriageway, which spans multiple sectors and it’s about 99% completed. The Okpanam–Ibusa bypass in the capital territory has been completed, significantly decongesting traffic around Asaba. Also completed is the Emevor–Orogun road (Phase I), with Phase II already underway. The Olomoro-Igbide road 5.7 kilometers link road which has significantly improved communal connectivity in Isoko south has also been completed.
The Isheagu–Ewulu road has been constructed with a bridge linking Ewulu in Aniocha South LGA, Beneku bridge and access road completed and ready for inauguration, while inner-city roads such as Mariere Street in Boji-Boji Agbor have received asphalt overlays. In Asaba, several internal roads,including Madonna College Road, Onuorah Ifesinachi Street, Aaron Ndubusi Street, and Chinedu Obodo Way, have been constructed alongside accompanying stormwater drainage.
In the rural parts of the state, roads like the Oko-Amakom to Oko-Obiokpu road are under construction, currently about 65 percent completed. The administration has also tackled the Bomadi–Gbaregolor and Ohoror–Bomadi roads, while construction is ongoing on the Okontu–Ogulaha road in Burutu and the Ogbudugbudu–Ogbeinbiri road in Warri North. Internal Roads in Warri such as the Upper and Lower Erejuwa roads have been completed and inaugurated in Delta South with Orere Bridge project ongoing in Delta Central.
Key access roads in the Ndokwa axis, such as the Eweshi–Utagba-Uno, Ndemili–Utagba-Uno, and Inam–Abbi routes, have also received attention.
Other completed projects include the Abavo internal road network in Ika South, Storm drainage work between Owa-Alero and Owa-Ofie River in Ika North East. Umejei Road in Ibusa, Okerenkoko internal roads, Kurutie roads, and the Odimodi–Ogulagha road.. In Ugborodo, the Stadium Road has also been rehabilitated as part of efforts to strengthen oil-producing communities. Also ongoing are; Trans-Warri Roads and bridges, Orere bridge and Ayakoromo Bridge.
These roads form part of a broader infrastructure push aimed at bridging the rural-urban divide, stimulating local economies, and positioning Delta State for inclusive growth.
Urban renewal efforts are gaining momentum through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). These include the Asaba International Market, where the state holds a 20 percent equity stake, and the transformative Asaba Waterfront City project is on with a six-lane access road being constructed to reshape the city’s landscape.
The trio of state agencies — the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA), Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA), and Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) continue to drive transformative development across urban centres and oil-producing communities.
Their integrated operations reflect Governor Oborevwori’s governance style, which balances direct oversight with operational autonomy.
Human capital development remains a key priority. The M.O.R.E Grant Scheme, launched in May 2024, has empowered 5,426 petty traders, artisans, and female entrepreneurs with financial support. Similarly, the Delta COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) programme has reached over 250,000 beneficiaries.
Access to clean water has also improved, with over 80 solar-powered boreholes completed in rural communities and several urban water schemes rehabilitated under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme.
Agricultural investments under the D-CARES FADAMA programme have supported over 6,000 farmers, while upcoming assistance through AUDA-NEPAD is set to benefit an additional 2,000 livestock and aquaculture producers.
In addition, a strategic partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to develop Special Agricultural Economic Zones has created more than 50,000 jobs, significantly enhancing food security and stimulating rural economic growth.
In the healthcare sector, the state has allocated over N3 billion for the procurement of CT scanners, incubators, radiotherapy machines, and other modern diagnostic equipment. More than 250 primary health centres have been renovated, and 40 house officers have been recruited to strengthen frontline medical care. Additionally, the state’s contributory health scheme now boasts of over two million enrollees.
A N1.6 billion equity injection has been provided to support participating hospitals, while the Colleges of Health Technology in Ovrode and Health Sciences in Ozoro are now fully operational, enhancing the state’s medical training infrastructure.
Education continues to thrive with nine state tertiary institutions remaining fully functional; the payment of salaries and allowances have been timely. Over 37,000 local students were admitted in the most recent intake, reducing academic migration. Bursaries totaling N674 million supported more than 30,000 undergraduates, while several billions are being paid as counterpart fund to give life to the Universal Basic Education programme. Over 150 Primary and Secondary Schools across the state have also been given a face-lift.
Land allocations have backed the Federal University of Medical Sciences in Kwale and FUPRE’s Resource Centre in Isiokolo, complementing initiatives to expand technical, vocational, primary, and secondary education.
Housing projects launched across Ozoro, Kwale, and Owa‑Oyibu, including 50 units with 30 three‑bedroom and 20 two‑bedroom homes are underway, Eight new duplexes have already been completed at the commissioners’ quarters in Asaba.
Judicial independence was reinforced with the distribution of 20 Prado Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to Judges, the construction of Judges’ Quarters, and the e‑enabled six‑storey High Court Complex. E‑filing, lawyers’ lounges, and tech-driven judicial services reflect a modernization agenda.
Security has improved through “Operation Delta Sweep,” with a donation of 66 new vehicles for state security forces and enhanced street‑lighting citywide. The State Advisory Peace‑Building Council and strengthened oil‑community disease management in Niger Delta areas buttress community‑safety initiatives. Longstanding land disputes, including the Aladja‑Ogbe‑Ijoh case have been resolved, contributing to Delta’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s safest states.
Sports continue to be a source of pride for Delta State. The state retained the overall trophies at both the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival, reaffirming its dominance in national competitions. Delta also made a strong showing at the Niger Delta Sports Festival held in Uyo, further cementing its regional sports leadership.
The reconstruction of Warri Township Stadium is underway, while grassroots talent development is sustained through the ongoing Headmasters’ and Principals’ Cups for primary and secondary schools.
Strategic developmental financing, once hindered by structural inefficiencies, has seen a remarkable turnaround. Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has doubled, public debt has been halved, the wage bill has been raised in line with national minimum wage, infrastructure projects are being equitably distributed, and human capital development is being prioritized.
In 2024, the Internal Revenue Service achieved an average monthly remittance rate of 13.1 billion , a notable increase from 7.5 billion in 2023.
Delta State’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains strong. In 2024, the government released N600 million in counterpart funding for conditional grants supporting health, gender equality, and access to clean energy. Notably, 80 percent of SDG-aligned projects under Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality), and 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) are nearing completion.
A dedicated widows’ welfare initiative currently supports 10,000 registered widows with a monthly stipend of ₦15,000 and access to comprehensive, free healthcare services.
These results have drawn accolades to Oborevwori as he was named Governor of the Year 2024 by ThisDay/Arise, New Telegraph, and Vanguard, and received an honorary Doctor of Science in Public Policy and Strategy from Novena University, Ogume.
Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to a no-debt financing policy and efficient resource management has strengthened his image as a leader who keeps his promises—an image he continues to uphold through transparency, accountability, and unwavering fiscal discipline.
As his administration enters its third year, the N630 billion capital budget for 2025, alongside expansive social investment programmes and sustained infrastructure development, underscores a steady and deliberate approach to governance. His vision remains consistent: sustainable, people-centered progress anchored in measurable outcomes—not empty rhetoric.
In just two years, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has delivered on his pledges, driving a Delta defined by resilient institutions, empowered citizens, modern infrastructure, and democratic values. Under his pragmatic leadership, the state is not only adapting to change but embracing transformation and laying firm foundations for long-term growth.
