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

Key Priorities - Works N422.8bn, Education N126.9bn, Sports N68.5bn, Health N53bn, Security N24bn

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Tuesday, presented the state’s 2027 Appropriation Bill, based on a projected revenue of N1,242, 688,970,520,22,

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 citizens across the state.

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

He 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 ?840.791 billion representing approximately 68 per cent was proposed for capital expenditure while  recurrent expenditure was put at  ?401.897 billion representing approximately 32 per cent.

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

Diri listed some strategic projects that would continue to receive priorty 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 and boost 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 ensure effective implementation of the budget.

According to him, government would 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 added that the administration would pursue the upscaling of its 60 megawatts independent power plant  to 100 megawatts and prioritise water provision in 2027.

Also, he remarked that the allocation to the sports sector would enable government 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 peace maker, bridge builder and a leader who has constructed roads and bridges across 80% of all communities in the state, 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, 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.