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Delta

“The Big Heart”

Capital Asaba
Zone South South
LGAs 25
Population 5,300,000
2026 Budget ₦1.73T

About Delta

Delta State is located in the South-South region of Nigeria and is one of the country’s major oil-producing states. It is known for its rich cultural diversity, vast natural resources, and strategic position in the Niger Delta region.
Historical Background
The territory that constitutes present-day Delta State is one of the most ethnically and culturally layered in Nigeria, home to the Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Isoko, Ndokwa, Anioma (Delta Igbo) and other peoples, each with distinct histories, languages and governance traditions that… Read full history →

Quick Facts — Delta

Official nameDelta
Capital city Asaba
Slogan / MottoThe Big Heart
Geo-political zone South South
Local govt areas 25 LGAs →
Population (census) 5,300,000
Population density 299 / km²
Total area 17,698 km²
First governor Colonel Michael Ogon Akhigbe
2026 budget ₦1.73T →

Frequently Asked Questions — Delta

The capital city of Delta State is Asaba. It is the seat of the Delta State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Delta State has 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each LGA has its own elected council and chairman responsible for grassroots governance, primary education and community infrastructure.
According to the National Population Commission, Delta State has a population of 5,300,000. The state capital Asaba is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 299 persons per km².
Delta State is in the South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The zone includes several other states and sends representatives to the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Assembly.
Delta State was created in 1991. The first governor was Colonel Michael Ogon Akhigbe. Learn more on the Delta State History page.
The Delta State budget for 2026 is ₦1.73T. See the full breakdown on the Delta State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Delta State covers a total land area of 17,698 km². With a population density of 299 people per km².

Government Structure

Delta State is governed by an Executive Governor and a House of Assembly. The state has strong administrative divisions and traditional institutions across its ethnic groups including Urhobo, Itsekiri, Isoko, Ijaw, and Anioma communities.

Current Officials

Ada Val Arenyeka Esq.
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Agbateyimiro Isaac Weyinmi
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Barr. Funyei Manager
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Chief Emamusi Obiodeh
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Chief Fidelis Okenmor Tilije
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Chief Vincent Oyibode
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Dr. Darlington Ijeh
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Dr. Joseph Onojaeme
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Ekemejero Ohwovoriole SAN
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Engr. Michael Ifeanyi Anoka
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Etagherure Ejiro Terry
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Hon. Godknows Angele
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Hon. Izeze Rume Yakubu Reuben
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Hon. Joan Onyemaechi Ada-Anioma
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Hon. Princess Pat. A. Ajudua
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Jamani Tommy Ejiro
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Jerry Ehiwario
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Mrs. Rose Ezewu
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Odinigwe Odigie Daniel
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Prof. Tonukari Johnbull
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Samuel Oligida
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Sonny Akporokiamo Ekedayen
Commissioner
PDP
Since 2023
Sir Monday Onyeme
Deputy Governor
PDP
Since 2023
Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori
Governor
PDP
Since 2023
Dr. Kingsley Emu
Secretary to the State Government
PDP
Since 2023
Sen. Ede Dafinone
Senator
APC
Since 2023
Sen. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas
Senator
APC
Since 2023
Sen. Ned Nwoko
Senator
PDP
Since 2023
Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor
Speaker, House of Assembly
PDP
Since 2023

Economy of Delta

The economy of Delta State is largely driven by oil and gas production, making it one of Nigeria’s highest revenue-generating states. Other sectors include agriculture (palm oil, cassava, fishing), trade, and growing urban services in cities like Warri, Asaba, and Sapele.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated over 6 million people. The state is highly diverse with multiple ethnic groups including Urhobo, Itsekiri, Isoko, Ijaw, and Anioma, each with unique cultural identities.
5,300,000
Population
17,698
Area km²
299
Per km²
25
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Delta

Delta State is rich in cultural festivals such as the Okpe, Ijaw, and Itsekiri celebrations. Tourist attractions include Abraka River Resort, Nana Living History Museum, and the beautiful coastal mangrove landscapes.

Local Government Areas in Delta

25 LGAs

Aniocha North
HQ: Issele-Uku
130,000
Population

Known for Issele-Uku, home of Delta State University. Agricultural LGA with palm oil and yam production.

Aniocha South
HQ: Ogwashi-Uku
170,000
Population

Known for the Ogwashi-Uku kingdom and palm oil. Home to Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic.

Bomadi
HQ: Bomadi
110,000
Population

Riverine LGA in southern Delta, known for fishing and offshore oil production. Major Ijaw communities.

Burutu
HQ: Burutu
230,000
Population

Historic oil industry LGA. Burutu was a major British shipping port. Now known for Ijaw culture and fishing.

Ethiope East
HQ: Eku
140,000
Population

Known for rubber plantations, cocoa and the Urhobo people cultural heritage.

Ethiope West
HQ: Oghara
165,000
Population

Home to Oghara, a major oil and gas town with Agip facilities. Growing industrial and commercial activities.

Ika North East
HQ: Agbor
220,000
Population

Contains Agbor, a major commercial city. Known for the Agbor masquerade and palm oil.

Ika South
HQ: Ute Okpu
110,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for palm oil, yam and cassava. The Ika people have strong cultural traditions.

Isoko North
HQ: Ozoro
150,000
Population

Oil-producing LGA, home to Ozoro, a growing commercial centre. Known for Isoko people heritage.

Isoko South
HQ: Oleh
195,000
Population

Major Isoko LGA known for oil production, fishing and the Oleh cultural festival.

Ndokwa East
HQ: Kwale
125,000
Population

Known for the Kwale people and palm oil production. Oil-producing LGA in southern Delta.

Ndokwa West
HQ: Kwale
140,000
Population

Agricultural and oil LGA known for cassava, palm oil and the Aboh kingdom history.

Okpe
HQ: Sapele
210,000
Population

Surrounds Sapele, known for the Okpe people and timber. Sapele has a historic plywood industry.

Oshimili North
HQ: Akwukwu-Igbo
120,000
Population

Niger River LGA known for fishing, yam farming and Oshimili Igbo communities.

Oshimili South
HQ: Asaba
167,000
Population

Contains Asaba, the Delta State capital. Home to state government offices and the Niger Bridge.

Patani
HQ: Patani
75,000
Population

Small riverine LGA known for fishing and Ijaw-Urhobo communities along River Forcados.

Sapele
HQ: Sapele
248,000
Population

Major port city known for timber, rubber and the historic Sapele plywood factory.

Udu
HQ: Udu
180,000
Population

Peri-urban LGA around Warri. Known for oil and gas infrastructure and growing residential estates.

Ughelli North
HQ: Ughelli
380,000
Population

Oil city hosting Shell operations and the Ughelli Power Plant. Major commercial centre.

Ughelli South
HQ: Ovu
200,000
Population

Known for oil production, fishing and the Urhobo people of southern Ughelli.

Ukwuani
HQ: Kwale
120,000
Population

Known for the Ukwuani Igbo people and palm oil production in northern Delta.

Uvwie
HQ: Effurun
290,000
Population

Contains Effurun, part of the Warri metropolis. Major oil hub with NNPC refineries and WRPC.

Warri North
HQ: Koko
145,000
Population

Ijaw LGA on the Warri River area, known for fishing, oil production and the historic Koko Port.

Warri South
HQ: Warri
536,000
Population

Contains Warri, the commercial capital of Delta State. Major oil hub, port city and financial centre.

Warri South West
HQ: Ogbe-Ijaw
130,000
Population

Ijaw LGA in the western Warri axis, known for fishing, offshore oil and the Gbaramatu kingdom.

History of Delta State

The territory that constitutes present-day Delta State is one of the most ethnically and culturally layered in Nigeria, home to the Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Isoko, Ndokwa, Anioma (Delta Igbo) and other peoples, each with distinct histories, languages and governance traditions that predate European co…
Historical Kingdoms: Benin Kingdom, Warri Kingdom, Itsekiri Kingdom, Urhobo chieftaincies, Ijaw clans, Isoko and Ndokwa kingdoms
🕐 Read Full History of Delta →

2026 Appropriation

₦1.73T
Total Budget — Delta State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Delta State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Delta State under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori totals ₦1.73T. The budget details include capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), federal allocation (FAAC) and sector allocations covering education, health, infrastructure, security and agriculture.

See full budget details, sector allocations and year-on-year comparison →

Compare State Budgets

See how Delta State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →