Delta spent N664.5bn on 362 contracts in 2025 without borrowing — Oborevwori

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Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Wednesday said the state government spent more than N664.5 billion on procurement activities in 2025, leading to the award of 362 contracts across key sectors of the state’s economy.

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The governor said the contracts, valued at N25 million and above, covered critical sectors, including road infrastructure, education, healthcare and other development projects.

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Oborevwori disclosed this in Asaba during the opening of a two-day Public Procurement Enlightenment Workshop organised by Delta State Public Procurement Commission.

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Represented by the Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, the governor said the workshop was aimed at strengthening compliance with the Delta State Public Procurement Law, 2020, and promoting transparency, accountability and due process in government spending.

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According to him, public procurement remains one of the most important tools through which government translates public resources into projects that directly impact the lives of citizens.

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He said, “This has informed our efforts to strengthen institutional frameworks that promote openness, fair competition and value for money in project execution.

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“In 2025 alone, Delta State committed over N664.5 billion to procurement activities involving contracts valued at N25 million and above, resulting in the award of 362 contracts across key sectors, including roads, education, healthcare and other strategic infrastructure.

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“Significantly, these achievements were recorded without borrowing.”

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The governor noted that prudent financial management and strict adherence to due process had enabled the state to execute major development projects while maintaining fiscal discipline.

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He added that his administration would continue to support reforms aimed at strengthening the procurement system and improving public confidence in government processes.

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Oborevwori urged participants at the workshop to take advantage of the training to deepen their knowledge of procurement regulations and improve decision-making in their various ministries, departments and agencies.

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“Compliance with procurement laws is not only a legal obligation but also a key pillar of good governance, accountability and sustainable development,” he added.

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Earlier, the Chairman of the Delta State Public Procurement Council, David Igbodo, said the workshop reflected the commitment of the Oborevwori administration to transparency, accountability and institutional excellence.

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He said the governor had consistently demonstrated commitment to due process by ensuring that government contracts were awarded through transparent and competitive procedures.

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Igbodo said, “The administration’s insistence on fairness, accountability and compliance with procurement guidelines has ensured that only qualified and competent contractors execute public projects across the state.”

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According to him, the approach has contributed to the delivery of quality infrastructure, prudent management of public resources and increased public confidence in government activities.

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He urged public officers to understand not only the legal requirements of procurement but also the ethical and professional standards guiding the process.

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The workshop featured lectures by the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Adebowale Adedokun, who spoke on “Achieving Professionalism in Public Procurement in Nigeria,” and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Musa Adamu Aliyu, who delivered a lecture on transparency and fraud prevention in public procurement.

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A major highlight of the event was the presentation of an award to Governor Oborevwori in recognition of his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and due process in public procurement.

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