ANEEJ Congratulates Governor Oborevwori, Delta Assembly on Assent to Delta State Social Investment Programme Law

ASABA, DELTA STATE. December 16, 2025 – The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), warmly congratulates His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, on the signing into law of the Delta State Social Investment Programme Law. The assent, which was granted alongside the Delta State 2026 Appropriation Law and other critical legislations, marks a major milestone in the institutionalisation of social protection and inclusive governance in Delta State.

In a statement issued to the press, ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor, described the new law as a transformative step toward strengthening social protection systems in the state. He noted that the legislation provides a clear and sustainable legal framework for the design, coordination and delivery of social investment interventions, thereby reinforcing the state’s commitment to equitable, transparent and grassroots-focused access to social services, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations.

“By institutionalising social investment through law, the Delta State Government has demonstrated strong political will to ensure that social protection initiatives are coordinated, accountable and impactful,” Ugolor said. “This development aligns squarely with the MORE Agenda and underscores a people-centred approach to governance.”

ANEEJ and the ActNaija Consortium further commended Governor Oborevwori for his visionary leadership, particularly the allocation of 70 per cent of the N1.729 trillion 2026 budget to capital expenditure, alongside reforms aimed at improving internally generated revenue without imposing undue burdens on citizens. According to Ugolor, these measures reflect a firm commitment to sustainable development, fiscal discipline and inclusive growth.

The organisation also applauded the Delta State House of Assembly, under the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor, for its rigorous legislative process, broad stakeholder consultations and the timely passage of the Social Investment Programme Law and related bills. ANEEJ had consistently advocated for the passage of the Social Investment Bill by the Delta State House of Assembly and for the Governor to sign the passed bill into law.  ANEEJ noted that this constructive collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government is essential for deepening democratic governance and delivering tangible benefits to citizens.

ANEEJ recalled that, with support from Bread for the World, Germany, it has been implementing the project titled “Tackling Poverty through Livelihood Support, Advocacy for Social Protection, Climate Justice and Anti-Corruption.”This platform has been instrumental in sustained advocacy for the passage of the Social Investment Law in Delta State.

According to Ugolor, the Social Investment Programme Law presents a unique opportunity to strengthen social accountability, improve coordination of social interventions and ensure that public resources dedicated to social welfare deliver measurable and lasting impact. He affirmed that “the ActNaija Consortium, comprising Bread for the World, ANEEJ and the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD), stands ready to support the Delta State Government through citizen engagement, policy monitoring, transparency initiatives and evidence-based advocacy to ensure effective implementation of the law in line with global best practices.”

ANEEJ expressed optimism that the commitments made during the Delta State social protection dialogue are now translating into concrete actions that will improve the lives and livelihoods of Deltans. The organisation reaffirmed its readiness to sustain collaboration with the Delta State Government and other stakeholders to ensure that this progressive legislation delivers real and inclusive outcomes.

ANEEJ once again congratulates His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State House of Assembly and the people of Delta State on this commendable achievement.

The ActNaija Project is implemented by a consortium of Bread for the World, ANEEJ and the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) and is co-funded by the European Union. The project operates in Borno, Delta, Ekiti, Enugu, Ondo, Osun and Kogi States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with the aim of improving the inclusivity of social protection systems in Nigeria.

Similarly, the project “Tackling Poverty through Livelihood Support, Advocacy for Social Protection, Climate Justice and Anti-Corruption,” implemented by ANEEJ with support from Bread for the World, Germany, is currently being implemented in Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Anambra States and has been consistent in advocating for the passage of the Social Investment law in Delta State.

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