On Tuesday, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State presented the state's 2027 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly. The bill, totaling N1,242,688,970,520.22, is based on a projected revenue of the same amount. Governor Diri described the budget as the "Budget of Assured Prosperity for Sustainable Growth and Development." He stated that the 2027 proposals were derived from broad stakeholder engagements involving traditional rulers, technical experts, the organised private sector, and citizens across the state.
The 2027 budget is approximately 22% larger than the 2026 fiscal year's budget of N1.016 trillion. Governor Diri explained that the fiscal priorities for the state remain clear, focusing on roads and bridges that connect communities, better health and education services, reliable power, and an environment that allows businesses and families to thrive. The budget proposes ₦840.791 billion for capital expenditure, representing approximately 68%, and ₦401.897 billion for recurrent expenditure, representing approximately 32%.
Some strategic projects that will continue to receive priority attention in 2027 include 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. Governor Diri expressed confidence that with work progressing on the three senatorial roads, all local government headquarters will be connected to the state capital, boosting socio-economic activities across the state.
The breakdown of sectoral allocations shows that Works and Infrastructure received the lion's share of ₦422.84 billion, followed by Education with ₦126.97 billion, and Sports with ₦68.50 billion. Health was allotted ₦53.32 billion, Security ₦24 billion, Public Utilities ₦22.94 billion, and Agriculture received ₦17.74 billion. Governor Diri charged the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to enforce coordination, transparency, and accountability to ensure effective implementation of the budget.
Governor Diri's 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. The administration will also pursue the upscaling of its 60 megawatts independent power plant to 100 megawatts and prioritize water provision in 2027. The allocation to the sports sector will enable the government to accelerate work on the stadium project as the state prepares to host the National Sports Festival.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Michael Ogbere, commended Governor Diri for the successful implementation of the 2026 budget and appreciated him for his visionary leadership. Ogbere described Diri as a peace maker, bridge builder, and a leader who has constructed roads and bridges across 80% of all communities in the state. He expressed confidence that the projects outlined in the budget were achievable and assured the governor of the 7th Assembly's support and speedy passage of the budget.
The House of Assembly unanimously endorsed a motion for a vote of confidence on Governor Diri and his administration, moved by the Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Monday Bubou. This vote of confidence demonstrates the lawmakers' trust in Governor Diri's leadership and their support for his administration's initiatives and projects outlined in the 2027 budget.
Key points
- The 2027 budget focuses on infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
- The budget proposes ₦840.791 billion for capital expenditure and ₦401.897 billion for recurrent expenditure.
- Governor Diri's administration aims to connect all local government headquarters to the state capital and boost socio-economic activities across the state.
