The Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Special Projects, Hon Kenneth Oboro Preyor, has hailed the State Ministry of Works (Highways and Urban Roads) for what he described as a commendable performance that has endeared it to Deltans.
Hon Preyor gave the commendation when the Commissioner in-charge of Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, appeared before the House of the Committee to defend the ministry’s 2026 budget estimates for 2026 fiscal year.
The Lawmaker in his remarks which many saw as surprising, urged the Commissioner to sustain the momentum and ensure he continued to mobilize his team for diligence service to the state.
Hon Preyor requested that the Ministry compile a comprehensive list of ongoing projects to enable the Committee plan properly for its proposed oversight visits to projects sites in the first-quarter 2026.
Preyor who represents Bomadi Constituency, further directed that all necessary documents as regards the proposed budget estimates be submitted to the secretariat of the committee for further legislative action.
Highlighting the goals and remarkable achievements of the Ministry of Works (Highways and Urban Roads), the Commissioner, Comrade Reuben Izeze, described the annual exercise as a “scorecard session” rather than a mere ritual of figures.
Comrade Izeze, a two termed member of the Delta State Assembly, who represented Ughelli South Constituency, said the session provided an opportunity for the ministry to present its performance, justify funds previously approved, and outline plans for the next financial year.
“Although officially it is tagged budget defence, it is simply the scorecard,” the Commissioner told the Committee. We come to the House to present the report of our activities in the previous year, to show what we have done with the resources graciously approved, and how we intend to utilize the new allocation.”
The Commissioner commended the Chairman of the Committee, Hon Oboro Preyor, and members for their support and oversight, noting that the ministry has maintained transparency in managing the resources entrusted to it.
Presenting the performance record of the outgoing fiscal year, Izeze disclosed that from May 29, 2023 to October 30, 2025, the Ministry handled 351 projects across the 25 local government areas of the state.
Of these, 262 were inherited from previous administrations while 89 were awarded by the Sheriff Oborevwori-led government, with a cumulative value of ₦1.199 trillion.
According to him, the projects cover 1,143.3 kilometers of roads and 639.02 square kilometers of drainage channels, forming part of the government’s aggressive infrastructure expansion and urban renewal agenda.
The Commissioner explained that 199 projects have already been completed, valued at ₦226.629 billion, while 152 projects estimated at ₦873.2 billion remain ongoing.
He added that the ministry has been instrumental in easing traffic congestion, improving mobility in urban centres, and addressing perennial flooding in different parts of the state.
Izeze stated that between January and November 2025, the ministry paid contractors a total of ₦156.76 billion, including payments tied to ISPOs for completed and ongoing works.
The Commissioner listed the ministry’s 2026 budget proposal, which includes a current expenditure of ₦690.226 billion, slightly higher than the 2025 figure due to adjustments for the new minimum wage.
He also highlighted funding gaps affecting some key projects, saying that unpaid certificates for ongoing and uncompleted works currently stand at ₦2.317 billion, while certain project votes were described as “grossly overspent.”
Izeze recommended improved funding and prompt release of outstanding payments before the end of the current fiscal year to ease pressure on the 2026 budget.
The Commissioner assured the lawmakers that the ministry’s proposals were aligned with the Medium-Term Development Plan (2024–2027) of the state government, adding that global construction challenges such as rising cost of material and unpredictable weather patterns were factored into the estimates.
“In conclusion, I assure this Honourable Committee that the Ministry of Highways and Urban Roads remains fully committed to the governor’s vision of a prosperous and well-connected Delta State.
“With your continued support, we will deliver the critical infrastructure needed to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Deltans”, Izeze declared.
