Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the release of ₦8.4 billion to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) for the settlement of long-standing contract liabilities accumulated between 2010 and 2023.
The move, according to the state government, is part of efforts to restore contractor confidence, revitalize grassroots development, and stimulate economic growth across Delta’s oil-producing communities.
Addressing journalists at the Government House, Asaba, after a meeting between the Governor and DESOPADEC management, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said the funds would be used to pay contractors who executed verified projects for the Commission but had remained unpaid for years.
Aniagwu explained that contractors owed ₦20 million and below would receive full payment, while those owed above ₦20 million would receive 50 per cent as the first installment.
He emphasized that the approval reflects the Governor’s commitment to addressing inherited financial burdens rather than ignoring them, consistent with the MORE Agenda — Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
“You will recall that not long ago, His Excellency directed the release of ₦10 billion to the State Pension Bureau to clear a substantial portion of outstanding pension liabilities,” Aniagwu noted.
“This is consistent with his earlier intervention on the settlement of promotion arrears. Despite the fact that many of these challenges predated his administration, he has continued to address them with courage and compassion,” he added.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor, hailed the Governor’s gesture, describing it as a bold and strategic step toward restoring trust and ensuring continuity in project delivery across oil-producing communities.
Ochonogor noted that under the current administration, DESOPADEC has maintained regular payments for projects executed during its tenure, stressing that the newly approved funds are specifically targeted at settling inherited debts from previous years.
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He revealed that the outstanding liabilities cover a wide range of projects including road construction, school rehabilitation, water supply schemes, jetties, and other community development initiatives.
According to him, Governor Oborevwori had earlier directed the Commission to conduct an extensive audit to verify all contractor claims and ensure transparency and accountability before releasing the payments.
The Governor’s decision has been widely applauded across the oil-producing areas, where communities have long awaited progress on critical infrastructure and development projects.
With this financial intervention, Delta State is expected to experience renewed project execution and improved contractor engagement, further reinforcing Governor Oborevwori’s dedication to responsible governance and inclusive development.
