The Delta State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved the disbursement of ₦10 billion to offset part of the pension liabilities inherited from previous administrations in the state.
The approval was given during the council’s meeting held on Thursday at Government House, Asaba, and presided over by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, on the directive of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who is on official engagement outside the state.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who was flanked by his counterparts for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen; Housing, Hon. Godknows Angele; and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, said the council deliberated on several life-impacting memos cutting across social investment, infrastructure, and governance reforms.
Aniagwu disclosed that the ₦10 billion disbursement was in fulfilment of Governor Oborevwori’s promise to ease the hardship of pensioners and address inherited pension liabilities.
“At today’s meeting, we approved the disbursement of ₦10 billion to begin the process of defraying pension arrears. A committee has been set up to ensure the funds get to deserving beneficiaries without bias or interference,” Aniagwu stated.
He said the initiative aligns with the administration’s MORE Agenda, which prioritises citizens’ welfare and aims to make life more livable for senior citizens who had served the state diligently.
The council also reviewed the timelines for major infrastructure projects, including the construction of two flyovers in Agbor (Uromi Junction) and Ughelli (Otovwodo Junction), both being handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
According to Aniagwu, the Agbor flyover timeline has been revised from 24 months to 18 months, while the Ughelli flyover was reduced from 24 to 14 months to accelerate delivery, ease traffic flow, and boost economic activities.
He further disclosed that the EXCO considered the state’s Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), presented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, as part of preparations for the 2026 budget, which will soon be presented to the Delta State House of Assembly.
The council, he added, also terminated some non-performing contracts across the state to ensure efficiency and accountability in project execution.
“Some contractors have failed to meet performance expectations, and since the government promptly mobilises and pays for certified work, we cannot allow delays or negligence,” he said.
Aniagwu noted that one of the affected projects is the Igbodo Junction–Ubulu-Uku to Ogwashi-Uku Road, which will be re-examined and re-awarded to a competent contractor in line with Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to opening up rural communities across the 25 local government areas.
The EXCO also approved the formal presentation of the Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Engr. Mike Oghenovo Orugbo, Okporua I, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, following his installation by the kingdom’s kingmakers.
Reaffirming the administration’s resolve to deliver people-oriented governance, Aniagwu said Governor Oborevwori remains unwavering in ensuring transparency, infrastructural renewal, and accelerated development across Delta State.
“Governor Oborevwori has made it clear that projects must deliver value to Deltans. Where contractors fail, we will not hesitate to act in the interest of our people,” Aniagwu said.
He assured that the administration will continue to prioritise human welfare, infrastructural growth, and institutional reforms that promote sustainable development and prosperity for all Deltans.
