Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has presented a proposed N1.24 trillion budget for the 2027 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, with infrastructure receiving the largest allocation of N422.84 billion.
The appropriation bill, tagged “Budget of Assured Prosperity for Sustainable Growth and Development,” is based on projected revenue of N1,242,688,970,520.22.
Presenting the estimates on Tuesday, November 3, Governor Diri said the budget was developed through extensive consultations with traditional rulers, technical experts, the organised private sector and other stakeholders across the state.
He described it as a historic budget, being the first appropriation bill as Bayelsa begins its fourth decade, noting that it was presented at a time when government investments were becoming visible across the eight local government areas.
According to him, the administration’s fiscal priorities include the construction of roads and bridges, improved healthcare and education, reliable electricity supply and creating an enabling environment for businesses and families.
A breakdown of the proposed expenditure showed that N840.791 billion, representing about 68 per cent, was earmarked for capital expenditure, while N401.897 billion, representing 32 per cent, was allocated to recurrent expenditure.
The proposed budget represents an increase of approximately 22 per cent over the N1.016 trillion approved for the 2026 fiscal year.
Diri identified several ongoing projects that would receive priority attention in 2027, particularly those at advanced stages of completion.
They include the Ekeremor-Agge Road Phase I, Nembe-Brass Road Phase I, Akaba-Ayakoro Road with a spur to Otuegwe 1, Glory Drive Phase III, Agbere-Elemebiri Road, the 30,000-capacity stadium at Igbogene and the nine-storey State Secretariat complex.
He expressed optimism that the....
