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Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, on Tuesday appeared before the House of Assembly Committee on Works and Special Projects to defend the ministry’s 2026 budget, describing the annual exercise as a “scorecard session” rather than a mere ritual of figures.
Addressing the lawmakers, Izeze said the budget defence provided an opportunity for the ministry to present its performance, justify funds previously approved, and outline plans for the forthcoming financial year.
“Although officially it is tagged budget defence, it is simply the scorecard,” the Commissioner told the Committee.
“We come to the House to present the report of our activities in the previous year, to show what we have done with the resources graciously approved, and how we intend to utilise the new allocation.”
He commended the Committee, chaired by Honourable Oboro Preyor, for its support and oversight, noting that the ministry has maintained transparency in managing the resources entrusted to it.
Presenting the ministry’s performance report, Izeze disclosed that from May 29, 2023 to October 30, 2025, the Ministry handled 351 projects across the 25 local government areas of the state.
Of these, 262 were inherited from previous administrations while 89 were awarded by the Sheriff Oborevwori-led government, with a cumulative value of ₦1.199 trillion.
The projects cover 1,143.3 kilometres of roads and 639.02 square kilometres of drainage channels, forming part of the government’s aggressive infrastructure expansion and urban renewal agenda.
According to him, 199 projects have already been completed, valued at ₦226.629 billion, while 152 projects estimated at ₦873.2 billion remain ongoing.
He added that the ministry has been instrumental in easing traffic congestion, improving mobility in urban centres, and addressing perennial flooding in different parts of the state.
The Commissioner reported that between January and November 2025, the ministry paid contractors a total of ₦156.76 billion, including payments tied to ISPOs for completed and ongoing works.
Izeze listed the ministry’s 2026 budget proposal, which includes a current expenditure of ₦690.226 billion, slightly higher than the 2025 figure due to adjustments for the new minimum wage.
He also highlighted funding gaps affecting some key projects. Unpaid certificates for ongoing and uncompleted works currently stand at ₦2.317 billion, while certain project votes were described as “grossly overspent.”
He recommended improved funding and prompt release of outstanding payments before the end of the current fiscal year to ease pressure on the 2026 budget.
The Commissioner assured the lawmakers that the ministry’s proposals were aligned with the Medium-Term Development Plan (2024–2027) of the state government, adding that global construction challenges such as rising material costs and unpredictable weather patterns were factored into the estimates.
“In conclusion, I assure this Honourable Committee that the Ministry of Highways and Urban Roads remains fully committed to the governor’s vision of a prosperous and well-connected Delta State,” Izeze declared.
“With your continued support, we will deliver the critical infrastructure needed to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Deltans.”
In his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Works and Special Projects, Honourable Oboro Preyor, commended the ministry for what he described as a commendable performance that has “endeared them to Deltans.”
He urged the Commissioner to sustain the momentum and ensure continued diligence in project execution.
Preyor also requested that the Ministry compile a comprehensive list of ongoing projects to enable the Committee include them in its first-quarter 2026 inspection itinerary.
The session ended with the Committee formally receiving the Ministry’s 2026 budget proposal for further legislative action.
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