Bayelsa Governor Diri Proposes N1.2 Trillion Budget for 2027 Fiscal Year

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has presented a N1.2 trillion appropriation bill for the 2027 fiscal year to the state legislature for review and passage. Entitled the Budget of Assured Prosperity for Sustainable Growth and Development, the fiscal proposal stands roughly 20 percent higher than the previous year's financial plan. Governor Diri delivered the estimates to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly in Yenagoa, noting that the draft was compiled following extensive consultations with traditional leaders, technical experts, business representatives, and local residents.

The proposed spending plan allocates N840.791 billion, or approximately 68 percent, to capital projects, while setting recurrent expenditure at N401.897 billion, representing about 32 percent of the total package. The governor stated that the fiscal strategy prioritizes ongoing infrastructure initiatives, improved educational and health services, reliable power supply, and an enabling environment for private enterprises and families across the state.

Several key infrastructure projects are slated for continued funding as they approach completion. These include phase one of the Ekeremor-Agge Road, phase one of the Nembe-Brass Road, the Akaba-Ayakoro Road, Glory Drive Phase 3, the Agbere-Elemebiri Road, a 30,000-seater stadium in Igbogene, and a new nine-storey state secretariat complex. Sectoral allocations give works and infrastructure the highest share at N422.84 billion, followed by education at N126.97 billion, sports at N68.50 billion, and health at N53.32 billion.

Additional allocations include N24 billion for security, N22.94 billion for public utilities, and N17.74 billion for agriculture. Governor Diri instructed the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to ensure strict coordination, transparency, and accountability during the implementation phase. He also highlighted plans to upgrade the state's independent power plant and expand digital learning tools in schools.

Responding to the presentation, Deputy Speaker Michael Ogbere praised the executive branch for its performance under the previous budget and lauded the administration's infrastructural reach. The leadership of the House of Assembly assured the governor of a prompt legislative review and speedy passage of the appropriation bill to maintain developmental momentum.

Source reporting: BusinessDay — 2026-11-04 08:53:27