On Tuesday, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State presented a N1.2 trillion 2027 Appropriation Bill, titled "Budget of Assured Prosperity for Sustainable Growth and Development," to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly for consideration and passage. The budget estimates were derived from broad stakeholder engagements involving traditional rulers, technical experts, the organised private sector, and citizens across the State. This bill marks a significant milestone as it is the first budget of its kind, presented as the State begins its fourth decade.
Governor Diri outlined the fiscal priorities of his administration, emphasizing the importance of roads and bridges that connect communities, better health and education services, reliable power, and an environment conducive for businesses and families to thrive. The proposed budget allocates N840.791 billion, approximately 68%, to capital expenditure, while recurrent expenditure is put at N401.897 billion, representing approximately 32%. This allocation indicates a strong focus on infrastructure development and public services.
The 2027 budget is approximately 20% larger than the 2026 budget of N1.016 trillion. Governor Diri highlighted several strategic projects that will continue to receive priority attention, including the Ekeremor–Agge Road Phase I, Nembe–Brass Road Phase I, Akaba–Ayakoro Road with spur to Otuegwe 1, Glory Drive Phase 3, Agbere-Elemebiri Road, the 30,000-seater stadium at Igbogene, and the nine-storey state secretariat complex. These projects are at advanced stages of completion and are expected to boost socio-economic activities across the State.
The Governor expressed his conviction that the ongoing work on the three senatorial roads will connect all local government headquarters to the State capital, thereby opening up access to coastal communities and promoting fisheries, marine and blue economy enterprises, and tourism. He emphasized that these projects demonstrate the State's ambition to develop its infrastructure despite its challenging terrain. With sound planning and prudent management, Bayelsa is building what many once thought was impossible.
A breakdown of the budget shows that works and infrastructure received N422.84 billion, followed by education with N126.97 billion, sports with N68.50 billion, health with N53.32 billion, security with N24 billion, public utilities with N22.94 billion, and agriculture with N17.74 billion. Governor Diri charged the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to enforce coordination, transparency, and accountability to ensure effective implementation of the budget.
The Governor assured that his administration will continue to improve its model schools, support accreditation of programmes in tertiary institutions, strengthen science and technical education, and introduce digital learning tools in schools. He also plans to upscale the State's 60 megawatts independent power plant to 100 megawatts and prioritize water provision in 2027. Additionally, Governor Diri expressed hope that the allocated funds for Sports will enable the government to accelerate work on the stadium project as the State prepares to host the National Sports Festival.
In his remarks, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Michael Ogbere, commended Governor Diri for the successful implementation of the 2026 budget and appreciated his visionary leadership. Ogbere described Governor Diri as a peace maker, bridge builder, and a leader who has constructed roads and bridges across 80 per cent of all communities in the State. He assured the Governor of the 7th Assembly's support and speedy passage of the budget.
Key points
- The 2027 budget focuses on infrastructure development, education, and healthcare.
- The budget allocates 68% to capital expenditure and 32% to recurrent expenditure.
- The Governor aims to connect all local government headquarters to the State capital and promote socio-economic activities.
