Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has presented a proposed N1.24 trillion budget for the 2027 fiscal year, with N840.79 billion earmarked for capital expenditure, representing about 68 per cent of the total estimates.
The governor presented the appropriation bill to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly on Tuesday, describing it as the “Budget of Assured Prosperity for Sustainable Growth and Development.” The proposal places major emphasis on roads and bridges, education, healthcare, sports infrastructure and public utilities.
Key Highlights
- Bayelsa proposes a total budget of N1.243 trillion for 2027.
- N840.791 billion, representing 68 per cent, is earmarked for capital expenditure.
- Recurrent expenditure stands at N401.897 billion, representing 32 per cent.
- The Works and Infrastructure sector receives the largest allocation of N422.84 billion.
- Education gets N126.97 billion, while Sports receives N68.50 billion.
- The government plans to upgrade its independent power plant from 60MW to 100MW.
- Major road projects, a 30,000-seat stadium and a nine-storey state secretariat are among the projects listed for continued funding.
Capital Projects Take 68 Per Cent of Bayelsa’s 2027 Budget
Presenting the estimates, Diri said the proposed N840.791 billion capital allocation reflected his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and the delivery of essential services.
Recurrent expenditure was put at N401.897 billion, representing approximately 32 per cent of the proposed budget.
The 2027 estimate is about 22 per cent higher than the N1.016 trillion budget approved for the 2026 fiscal year.
Diri said the proposals were developed through consultations with traditional rulers, technical experts, the organised private sector and citizens across the state.
He described the budget as historic because it was being presented as Bayelsa entered its fourth decade, adding that investments were becoming visible across the state’s local government areas.
“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,” the governor said.
Works and Infrastructure Gets Largest Allocation
A breakdown of the proposed sectoral allocations shows that Works and Infrastructure received the largest share, with N422.84 billion earmarked for the sector.
Education follows with N126.97 billion, while Sports is allocated N68.50 billion.
Other proposed allocations include:
| Sector | Proposed allocation |
|---|---|
| Works and Infrastructure | N422.84bn |
| Education | N126.97bn |
| Sports | N68.50bn |
| Health | N53.32bn |
| Security | N24bn |
| Public Utilities | N22.94bn |
| Agriculture | N17.74bn |
The allocation to infrastructure reflects the administration’s emphasis on road construction and connectivity, while the proposed spending on education, healthcare and sports is expected to support ongoing projects and service improvements.
Ekeremor-Agge, Nembe-Brass Roads Among Priority Projects
Diri listed several strategic projects expected to receive continued attention in 2027 because they are 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 3 and Agbere-Elemebiri Road.
Other projects include the 30,000-seat stadium at Igbogene and the nine-storey state secretariat complex.
The governor said progress on the three senatorial roads would bring the state closer to connecting all local government headquarters to Yenagoa, the state capital.
He added that improved access to coastal communities would support fisheries, marine businesses, the blue economy and tourism.
“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,” Diri said.
He maintained that Bayelsa’s difficult terrain should not prevent the state from pursuing major infrastructure projects.
Bayelsa Targets 100MW Independent Power Capacity
The governor also outlined plans to improve electricity supply, stating that his administration intended to increase the capacity of its independent power plant from 60 megawatts to 100 megawatts.
He said the government would also prioritise water provision in 2027 as part of efforts to improve public utilities.
On education, Diri said the administration would continue to improve model schools, support the accreditation of programmes in tertiary institutions, strengthen science and technical education and introduce digital learning tools.
He also charged the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to ensure coordination, transparency and accountability in the implementation of the appropriation bill.
30,000-Seat Stadium Gets N68.5bn Sports Allocation
The proposed N68.50 billion allocation to the sports sector is expected to support the completion of the stadium project at Igbogene.
Diri said the investment was particularly important as Bayelsa prepared to host the National Sports Festival.
The 30,000-seat facility is among the major projects listed by the governor for continued attention in the coming fiscal year.
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Bayelsa Assembly Assures Diri of Budget Support
In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Michael Ogbere, commended the governor for what he described as the successful implementation of the 2026 budget.
Ogbere praised Diri’s leadership and described him as a peacemaker and bridge-builder who had facilitated road and bridge construction across communities in the state.
He expressed confidence that the projects outlined in the 2027 proposal were achievable and assured the governor of the support of the Seventh Assembly for its consideration and passage.
The Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Monday Bubou, also moved a motion for members to pass a vote of confidence on the governor and his administration. The lawmakers unanimously endorsed the motion.
The proposed N1.24 trillion budget will now be considered by the House of Assembly before it can become law.
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