Delta Speaker Seeks Improved Capacity In State Appropriation Process

Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, (DSHA), Hon Dennis Guwor, has charged members and staff of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriations to deepen legislative capacity in handling the appropriation process.

He stated this yesterday while declaring open a 3-day retreat for them, holding at the State Assembly Complex, in Asaba, with the theme: “An Overview of the Appropriation Process in Delta State House of Assembly: Practices, Issues and Recommendations”.

Declaring the event open, Guwor, supported by the chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon (Mrs) Marylyn Okowa-Daramola,described the retreat as both timely and significant, stressing that it is being held ahead of the presentation of the 2026 budget estimates by the state governor, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.

The speaker said the appropriation process remains at the heart of legislative engagement in governance, noting that the “power of the purse” is one of the most critical constitutional responsibilities of the legislature.

“As lawmakers, we must appreciate that every line in the budget is not just a figure but a statement of intent on how government resources should translate into the wellbeing of our people.

“The Finance and Appropriations Committee, therefore, has a crucial role in ensuring the passage of a realistic budget that balances revenue projections with expenditure profiles.”

The speaker flanked by the deputy speaker, Hon. Arthur Akpowovwo, and others, commended the Africa Parliamentary Resource Center (APRC) for facilitating the retreat, even as he appreciated its consistent support for strengthening legislative institutions across the country.

Guwor expressed delight at the choice of the lead facilitator, Dr. John Mutu, executive director of APRC, as well as other resource persons, including Prof. Uzochukwu Amakom and Dr. Innocent Mebiri.

According to him, “The retreat provides a platform for participants to re-examine existing appropriation practices, identify gaps and bottlenecks, learn from comparative experiences, and propose practical recommendations that will enhance legislative oversight of public finances”.

The speaker urged the participants to approach the sessions with an open mind and a spirit of inquiry, stressing that the ultimate goal of the exercise is to strengthen the competence of the Committee and build the Assembly’s overall capacity to ensure prudent allocation and effective utilisation of public resources for the development of Delta State.

Earlier in her welcome address, the chairman of the House committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, highlighted the significance of the three day workshop which according to her will help strengthen the committee’s work in enhancing the budgetary processes of the State Assembly.

Okowa-Daramola explained that the exercise will further strengthen the work of the committee ahead of the next budget preparation season in the interest of Deltans.

Lead facilitator of the retreat, Dr John Mutu drew attention on the need for the provision of some facilities, including digitalization of its activities, that would enhance and strengthen the workings of the Finance and Appropriations Committee and appealed for action on them.