Delta State government has proposed a budget of N936 billion for the 2025 fiscal year.
The commissioner for Economy Planning, Mr Sunny Ekedayen, who serves as the Chairman of the Budget Defence Committee, disclosed this during the opening ceremony of the budget defence by ministries in Asaba.
The commissioner emphasized that the budget defence is part of Delta State’s commitment to open governance protocols and an annual tradition to ensure transparency and accountability.
Ekedayen emphasised that the allocated funds would be utilised efficiently based on the proposals presented by the MDAs, urging all participants to approach the budget process honestly and diligently.
“This is a very serious process. We must be as transparent and judicious as possible because the budget, though increased, is still insufficient to meet all the needs of our people.
“We are basing our 2025 budget on actual receipts from June 2024. Whatever we arrive at it will be something that is mutually agreed. The proposed 2025 budget is N936 billion, reflecting a 30% increase from the N725 billion budgeted in 2024.
“We are all working for the same core objective, that is, the vision of the governor; it is up to you to articulate your vision and centre it into the governor’s vision, and I can tell you that those resources will be made available to you as much as those budget can take,” he cautioned.
He revealed that the defence also allows MDAs to come out each to defend their budget proposition, programmes, and the monies they are probably hoping to expend while in the process, they are cross-examined and interrogated to know its practicality.
The event, marking the opening ceremony, was attended by representatives of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), who were present to justify their budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year.
