Budget Implementation and Economic Development in Delta State-Nigeria, 1991-2010

This study investigated budget implementation and economic development in Delta State from 1991 to 2010. The study was prompted by the low level of economic development in the state. The study was guided by three research objectives which apparently transmitted into three research questions. The study is descriptive in nature. The data were analyzed using these statistical tools; simple percentage, graphs, and pie charts. Primary and Secondary data were sourced for this study. The major findings of the study are on the factors which have been responsible for budgets failures in the state, which includes budget indiscipline, lack of accountability, non-consideration of reasonable suggestions from interest groups while preparing the budget, inadequate monitoring instruments, political instability, non usage of accurate data, inconsistent economic planning and policies etc. In order to arrest such an unpleasant situations, the following recommendations were advanced; strict observance of budget discipline, creation of enabling operational environment, putting in place of adequate supervisory machinery, positive consideration of reasonable suggestions from interest groups, introduction of remedial measures at the appropriate time and the use of accurate data in the cause of preparing the state future budget(s). In conclusion the State budgets have not been fully implemented since the creation of the state. However, the study reveals that the budgets have made meaningful contribution to the socio-economic and political development of the state.