Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has aroused fresh debate among state chief executives after declaring that governors are now receiving substantially higher allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), but some are allegedly concealing the truth from Nigerians.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the N39.3 billion Otovwodo Flyover in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Oborevwori dismissed claims that states are broke, insisting that more money is flowing into state coffers than before.
According to the governor, there is no excuse for poor governance or lack of visible development, urging his colleagues to deploy the increased revenue for projects that directly impact citizens’ lives.
His remarks align with earlier comments by the Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who openly acknowledged that states are benefiting from improved funding following recent economic reforms.
During a New Year homage by the NGF to President Bola Tinubu, AbdulRazaq admitted that despite inflation, states are better funded.
“We are getting more funding due to the restructuring of the economy. Yes, there is inflation, but we are overriding it,” Governor AbdulRazaq said.
Reiterating his position, Oborevwori rejected narratives of financial hardship at the state level, stressing that governors now have the resources to deliver meaningful development if they choose to be transparent.
“More money is coming to the states. I am not a governor who will hide it. There is money. Use the money, as we are using it in our state. Use it in your state, so that the people will be very happy,” he said.
“The money is coming from somewhere. Some people want to hide that there is no money; there is money.”
The Delta governor maintained that FAAC disbursements have improved significantly, giving states the capacity to fast-track infrastructure projects and rebuild public confidence in governance.
He described the Otovwodo Flyover as a major intervention that would decongest traffic and boost economic activities across the Ughelli axis and adjoining corridors.
Otovwodo Junction, a key link between Warri, Asaba and Patani along the East–West Highway, is one of the busiest traffic corridors in Delta State.
Oborevwori said the project reflects his administration’s commitment to people-centred governance and accountable use of public funds, noting that it would enhance trade, reduce travel time and improve road safety when completed.
He appealed to motorists and residents to cooperate with traffic officials during the construction period, assuring them that the temporary inconvenience would give way to lasting benefits.
The governor reaffirmed his resolve to continue investing in critical road infrastructure as part of Delta State’s broader economic growth and urban renewal drive.
