Isaac Eshor: Delta Bleeding Despite ₦4.2 Trillion Budgets, Economic Summit a Misplaced Priority

ASABA – The governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Delta State, Engr. Isaac Eshor, has criticized the ongoing Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026, describing it as a misplaced priority that fails to address the critical developmental needs of residents.

Eshor argued that despite Delta State’s status as one of Nigeria’s highest revenue-generating states and the enormous public funds available to government, many communities continue to suffer from poor road networks, inadequate infrastructure, and limited economic opportunities.

According to him, Delta State approved budgets totaling approximately ₦809.4 billion in 2023, ₦725 billion in 2024, ₦936 billion in 2025, and ₦1.729 trillion in 2026, bringing the cumulative figure to more than ₦4.199 trillion within four years.

He maintained that such enormous financial resources should have translated into visible improvements across the state rather than being spent on high-profile investment summits.

“Delta State is richly blessed with enormous resources and receives substantial allocations, yet many communities remain inaccessible because of deplorable roads and poor infrastructure. Instead of investing in projects that directly impact the lives of the people, the government is engaging in expensive summits and political showmanship,” Eshor said.

The AAC governorship candidate also referenced earlier remarks by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who had described Delta as a wealthy neighbouring state, saying such observations should serve as a wake-up call for Delta leaders to convert the state’s wealth into tangible development.

Questioning the rationale behind hosting a major investment summit amid persistent infrastructure deficits, Eshor argued that investors would be reluctant to commit capital to communities lacking accessible roads and basic public amenities.

“Before attracting investors, government must first create an enabling environment that supports business growth and economic activities,” he stated.

Eshor further reacted to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s announcement of a $100 million Viability Guarantee Fund aimed at reducing investment risks, alongside plans to allocate more than 12,000 hectares of farmland for agricultural development.

While acknowledging that investment promotion initiatives are important, he questioned why such policies were only being aggressively introduced after nearly three years of the current administration.

“For almost three years, Delta State has not witnessed a clear and aggressive investment-driven agenda. It is surprising that government is now presenting these initiatives as major breakthroughs. Deltans deserve a government that plans strategically, manages resources prudently, and delivers sustainable economic growth,” he said.

Eshor also emphasized the untapped potential of Delta State’s maritime and blue economy, lamenting what he described as the failure of successive administrations to maximize the state’s strategic coastal advantage.

“Delta is blessed with vast maritime resources that can create jobs, boost revenue, and stimulate industrial growth. Unfortunately, this potential remains largely untapped,” he said, adding that he was pleased the state government was beginning to pay attention to the blue economy after, according to him, drawing from his policy blueprint.

Calling for greater accountability, Eshor urged Deltans to support what he described as a new vision for the state, founded on prudent resource management, strategic planning, and sustainable economic growth.

“I am offering myself for service because I have built and managed successful private-sector ventures and understand the principles of investment, productivity, and economic growth. Delta needs prudent managers of resources and visionary leadership capable of transforming the state’s vast potential into prosperity for all,” he said.

He concluded by insisting that infrastructure renewal, economic diversification, and people-focused development should take precedence over what he termed “wasteful government jamborees,” urging the state government to prioritize projects that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens.