The New Delta Coalition (NDC) has strongly refuted the claim by Delta State Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, that Delta is the strongest financial state in Nigeria, describing it as a blatant falsehood aimed at misleading the public.
In a statement signed by its representative, Godwin Anaughe, the NDC dismissed Tilije’s assertion as an insult to the intelligence of Deltans, arguing that the state’s financial position is far from being the strongest in Nigeria. The group cited economic data showing that Delta’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stands at ₦6.19 trillion—significantly lower than Lagos (₦41.17 trillion), Rivers (₦7.96 trillion), Akwa Ibom (₦7.77 trillion), and Imo (₦7.68 trillion).
Despite being the highest recipient of FAAC allocations, Delta State has failed to translate its financial resources into tangible economic growth. The NDC noted that states like Edo and Anambra, with lower GDPs, have demonstrated better financial management, boasting IGR-to-operating-expense ratios of 110% and 108.38% in 2024, respectively. In contrast, Delta’s IGR-to-operating-expense ratio for 2025 stands at a mere 38.4%, highlighting its overreliance on federal allocations.
The statement further pointed out that while Anambra generated ₦42.04 billion in 2024—more than double its recurrent expenditure of ₦20.67 billion—Delta struggled to cover its personnel costs of ₦185.75 billion without heavy dependence on FAAC.
Accusing the state government of reckless spending, corruption, and a lack of transparency, the NDC warned that Delta’s inability to sustain itself financially has resulted in inadequate funding for critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The group urged the government to embrace transparency and accountability, stressing that the people of Delta State deserve economic policies that prioritize sustainable growth rather than deceptive narratives.
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