Bayelsa Gov presents N1.24trn budget for 2027, votes N422.8bn for Works Ministry

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has presented a proposed N1.24 trillion 2027 appropriation Bill to the state House of Assembly, with infrastructure development, education, sports, healthcare and security topping the administration’s spending priorities.

The budget, christened budget of assured prosperity for Sustainable Growth and development, is based on a projected revenue and expenditure estimate of N1,242,688,970,520.22.

Presenting the proposal to the lawmakers in Yenagoa on tuesday, Diri said the estimates were informed by extensive consultations with traditional rulers, technical experts, the organised private sector and other stakeholders across the state.

He described the proposed fiscal plan as historic, being the first budget to be presented as Bayelsa begins its fourth decade of existence.

According to him, the budget comes at a time when the impact of sustained investments in infrastructure and other critical sectors is becoming increasingly visible across the state’s eight local government areas.

“Our fiscal priorities remain clear: roads and bridges that connect communities, better health and education services, reliable power and an environment in which businesses and families can thrive,” the governor said.

Giving a breakdown of the proposed expenditure, Diri disclosed that N840.791 billion, representing approximately 68 per cent of the total budget, was earmarked for capital expenditure, while recurrent expenditure would gulp N401.897 billion, representing 32 per cent.

He noted that the 2027 budget was approximately 22 per cent higher than the N1.016 trillion approved for the 2026 fiscal year,on sectoral allocations, the ministry of works and Infrastructure received the highest allocation of N422.84 billion, followed by education with N126.97 billion and sports with N68.50 billion.

Health was allocated N53.32 billion, security N24 billion, public utilities N22.94 billion, while agriculture received N17.74 billion,the governor identified several strategic infrastructure projects that would receive priority attention in the coming fiscal year, particularly those at advanced stages of completion.

They include the Ekeremor-Agge road phase I, Nembe-Brass road phase I, Akaba-Ayakoro road with a spur to Otuegwe 1, glory drive phase III, Agbere-Elemebiri road, the 30,000-capacity stadium at Igbogene and the nine-storey state secretariat complex.

Diri expressed optimism that the completion of the three senatorial roads would connect all local government headquarters to the state capital, significantly improving transportation trade and economic activities.

“With work progressing on all senatorial causeways, we are moving closer to an ambition our people have held since the creation of the state to connect the capital to every local government headquarters and open up access to our coastal communities.

“This will boost fisheries, marine and blue economy enterprises, and tourism.

“These projects demonstrate that our beautiful terrain should not limit our ambition. With resolve, sound planning and prudent management, Bayelsa is building what many once thought were impossible,” he said.

On the administration’s development agenda, the governor said government would continue to strengthen model schools, support the accreditation of academic programmes in tertiary institutions, improve science and technical education and introduce digital learning tools in public schools.

He also disclosed plans to expand the state’s independent power plant from its current 60 megawatts to 100 megawatts, while giving priority attention to improved water supply across the state.

The governor said the substantial allocation to the sports sector would accelerate the completion of the 30,000-capacity stadium at Igbogene as Bayelsa prepares to host the national sports festival.

Diri charged the ministry of budget and Economic Planning to ensure effective coordination, transparency and accountability in the implementation of the 2027 fiscal plan, stressing the need to translate budgetary provisions into tangible benefits for residents.

In his remarks, the deputy speaker of the house of assembly, Rt. Hon. Michael Ogbere, commended the governor for what he described as the successful implementation of the 2026 budget and praised his leadership and development initiatives.

Ogbere described Diri as a peacemaker, bridge-builder and visionary leader, noting that roads and bridges had been constructed across about 80 per cent of communities in the state,

he expressed confidence that the projects outlined in the 2027 budget were achievable and assured the governor of the support of the Seventh Assembly for its consideration and speedy passage.

The majority leader, Rt. hon. Monday Bubou, subsequently moved a motion for the House to pass a vote of confidence in the governor and his administration; the motion was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers.