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ABUJA/ASABA — Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, has credited the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with improving the fiscal capacity of state governments across Nigeria, saying the measures have enabled many states to undertake more development projects and better meet their financial obligations.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Aniagwu said the Federal Government’s economic policies have significantly strengthened the financial health of sub-national governments, allowing them to address challenges that had previously constrained development efforts.
He explained that prior to the implementation of the reforms, several states struggled with recurring financial pressures, including difficulties in paying salaries, settling pension obligations, funding local government activities and executing critical infrastructure projects.
According to him, the reforms have helped reverse the situation and created a more favourable environment for governance and development.
“Because of the level of economic re-engineering introduced by the President, many of these challenges have become more or less a thing of the past,” Aniagwu said.
The commissioner noted that improved revenues and stronger fiscal stability have empowered state governments to embark on ambitious infrastructure programmes while ensuring prompt payment of workers and retirees.
Highlighting Delta State’s experience, Aniagwu described the state as one of Nigeria’s most financially stable sub-national entities, attributing its position to prudent fiscal management under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the broader economic framework established by the Federal Government.
He stated that Delta has maintained an impressive record in project implementation through a payment system that ensures contractors receive mobilisation funds promptly and are paid quickly after project certifications are verified.
“Today, Delta is one of the most solvent and liquid states in Nigeria. Once a contract is awarded, the contractor receives 40 per cent mobilisation, and once a certificate is raised and verified, payment is made in less than one week,” he said.
Aniagwu said the state’s financial strength has translated into visible development outcomes, including the construction of roads and bridges, rehabilitation of schools and the execution of numerous projects across communities in the state.
Commenting on Governor Oborevwori’s endorsement of President Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections, the commissioner said there was nothing unusual about a governor supporting the presidential candidate of his political party.
He maintained that political support for the President does not detract from the administration’s commitment to governance, stressing that delivering infrastructure and improving the welfare of residents remain central priorities of the state government.
“It would have been surprising if the governor had said that the presidential candidate of his party was not a major concern for him. Supporting the candidate of your party is normal in politics,” he said.
Aniagwu also rejected claims that the governor’s support for Tinubu was influenced by concerns over the Labour Party’s performance in Delta during the 2023 elections.
Instead, he said the administration has consistently pursued an inclusive governance model designed to accommodate all residents irrespective of ethnic or social background.
According to him, development projects are spread across the state’s 25 local government areas, while government appointments reflect the diverse composition of Delta’s population.
He revealed that Governor Oborevwori engaged extensively with stakeholders from various ethnic communities before the state’s political alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasizing that people from different parts of the country play important roles in Delta’s socio-economic development.
Aniagwu added that the administration’s approach to inclusiveness has attracted recognition beyond the state, including an invitation to speak before members of the Yoruba Tennis Club in Lagos on Delta’s governance model.
Addressing recent political developments within the APC, including the senatorial primary involving Senator Ned Nwoko and the departure of former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege from the party, the commissioner said such issues were products of internal party processes rather than shortcomings of the state government.
He stressed that democratic participation and grassroots engagement remain essential ingredients for political success and that all aspirants were given equal opportunities during the party’s primary elections.
Reaffirming Governor Oborevwori’s support for President Tinubu, Aniagwu said the endorsement was largely informed by the positive impact of the President’s economic policies on Delta State’s development efforts.
“The governor’s position is based on the fact that the President’s economic policies have helped states like Delta achieve greater financial stability and deliver more projects for the people. Deltans are appreciative people, and when someone contributes positively to their development, they will naturally take notice,” he said.
The commissioner expressed confidence that the state’s emphasis on inclusive governance, prudent economic management and sustained infrastructure development would continue to earn the confidence and support of residents across Delta State.
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