Gov Diri Presents N1.24trn 2027 Appropriation Bill To Bayelsa Assembly

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has presented the state’s 2027 Appropriation Bill of a projected revenue of N1.242 trillion to the House of Assembly for consideration and passage.

Presenting the “Budget of Assured Prosperity for Sustainable Growth and Development,” Governor Diri explained that the 2027 proposals were derived from broad stakeholder engagements involving traditional rulers, technical experts, the organised private sector and residents across the state.

He also stated that it was a historic budget, being the first as the state was beginning its fourth decade, and that it was presented at a time when sustained investments were visible in all the local government areas.

Diri said, “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.”

Presenting the estimates, he said N840.791 billion, representing approximately 68 per cent, was proposed for capital expenditure, while recurrent expenditure was put at N401.897 billion, representing approximately 32 per cent.

He observed that the proposed budget was approximately 22 per cent larger than the 2026 fiscal year’s N1.016 trillion.

Diri listed some strategic projects that would continue to receive priority attention in 2027 as they were at advanced stages of completion.

They 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.

Diri expressed the conviction that, with work progressing on the three senatorial roads, all local government headquarters would be connected to the state capital, thereby boosting socio-economic activities across the state.

“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.”

Giving a breakdown of the sectoral allocations, Works and Infrastructure got the lion’s share of ₦422.84 billion, followed by Education ₦126.97 billion and Sports ₦68.50 billion.

Also, Health was allotted ₦53.32 billion, Security ₦24 billion, Public Utilities ₦22.94 billion, and Agriculture got ₦17.74 billion.

Diri charged the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to enforce coordination, transparency, and accountability, and to ensure effective implementation of the budget.

According to him, the government would continue to improve its model schools, support the accreditation of programmes in tertiary institutions, strengthen science and technical education, and introduce digital learning tools in schools.

He added that the administration would pursue the upscaling of its 60-megawatt independent power plant to 100 megawatts and prioritise water provision in 2027.

Also, he remarked that the allocation to the sports sector would 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, Rt. Hon. Michael Ogbere, commended Governor Diri for the successful implementation of the 2026 budget, and appreciated him for his visionary leadership.

Hon. Ogbere described Diri as a peacemaker, bridge builder, and a leader who has constructed roads and bridges across 80% of the state’s communities, expressing confidence that the projects outlined were achievable.

The Deputy Speaker assured the governor of the 7th Assembly’s support and speedy passage of the budget, while the Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Monday Bubou Obolo, moved a motion for the members to pass a vote of confidence on Governor Diri and the administration, which was unanimously endorsed by the lawmakers.