Bayelsa Defends Spending, Steps Up Economic Diversification

The Bayelsa State Government has explained how it is managing its funds and investing in long-term development as it seeks new ways to grow the economy beyond federal government funding.

Speaking at the monthly transparency briefing in Yenagoa, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai, said ongoing projects across the state are fully funded and moving forward as planned.

She stressed that infrastructure delivery remains a key priority for the administration.

She listed major projects such as roads, bridges, a stadium, a new secretariat complex and gas turbine power initiatives as areas where visible progress has been made.

According to her, steady funding has helped contractors keep to project timelines and meet required standards, adding that, beyond infrastructure, the state is deliberately shifting its focus toward sectors that can grow the local economy and create jobs.

Mrs Koku-Obiyai explained that investments are being directed into the blue economy, agriculture, marine transportation and tourism, stating that the acquisition of two aircraft is part of efforts to improve connectivity and support economic activities.

The commissioner said the regular transparency briefings are designed to keep citizens informed about how government funds are raised and spent.

She noted that transparency and accountability are becoming more important across the country, especially as Nigerians demand better use of public resources.

Also at the briefing, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Treasury, Accounts and Revenue, Mr Timipre Seipulou, presented the state’s income and expenditure figures for October, November and December 2025.

He said Bayelsa has continued to meet its financial responsibilities, which he linked to what he described as careful financial management by Governor Douye Diri.