Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has proposed a N1.242 trillion expenditure plan for the 2027 fiscal year, with infrastructure development taking the largest portion of the projected spending as his administration seeks to complete major road networks and other ongoing projects across the state.
The governor submitted the appropriation bill to the State House of Assembly, describing it as the ‘Budget of Assured Prosperity for Sustainable Growth and Development’.
A breakdown of the estimates shows that the government intends to spend N840.791 billion on capital projects, representing approximately 68 per cent of the proposed budget, while N401.897 billion, or about 32 per cent, is earmarked for recurrent expenditure.
The proposal is approximately 22 per cent higher than the N1.016 trillion budget approved for the 2026 financial year.
Infrastructure emerged as the biggest beneficiary of the proposed spending framework, with N422.84 billion allocated to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.
Education follows with N126.97 billion, while the sports sector is expected to receive N68.50 billion.
The health sector has been allocated N53.32 billion, security N24 billion, public utilities N22.94 billion and agriculture N17.74 billion.
Explaining the rationale behind the spending priorities, Diri said the proposed financial plan was developed after consultations with various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, technical professionals, organised private sector representatives and residents from different parts of the state.
He noted that the exercise was intended to reflect the development aspirations and concerns of the people rather than being based solely on government projections.
The governor also described the 2027 proposal as particularly significant because it coincided with Bayelsa’s entry into its fourth decade since the state’s creation.
According to him, the administration is approaching the new financial year with a focus on consolidating existing investments and completing projects that have reached advanced stages of construction.
He maintained that the government’s development priorities would continue to revolve around transportation infrastructure, accessible healthcare, quality education, dependable electricity and improved conditions for businesses and households.
Among the major projects expected to receive sustained funding in 2027 are the Ekeremor-Agge Road Phase I and Nembe-Brass Road Phase I.
Others include the Akaba-Ayakoro Road, with a spur to Otuegwe 1, Glory Drive Phase III and the Agbere-Elemebiri Road.
The administration also intends to maintain its investment in the 30,000-capacity stadium at Igbogene and the nine-storey state secretariat complex.
Diri expressed confidence that the completion of major road projects across the three senatorial districts would address longstanding transportation difficulties and improve access to communities that have remained difficult to reach.
He said one of the administration’s major ambitions was to ensure that every local government headquarters in Bayelsa could be connected to the state capital through improved road infrastructure.
The governor explained that the ongoing senatorial road projects would also open up coastal settlements, providing residents with better access to commercial opportunities and essential services.
He identified fisheries, maritime transportation, tourism and other activities within the blue economy as areas that could benefit significantly from improved connectivity.
Diri argued that the state’s difficult geographical terrain should not be regarded as an obstacle to development, insisting that careful planning, financial discipline and political determination could make ambitious infrastructure projects achievable.
On the education front, the governor said his administration would continue strengthening model schools while supporting tertiary institutions in securing accreditation for their academic programmes.
He added that greater attention would be devoted to science and technical education, alongside the introduction of digital learning facilities to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
The proposed budget also provides for improvements in electricity generation and water supply.
Diri disclosed that the government was working towards increasing the capacity of its independent power plant from the existing 60 megawatts to 100 megawatts.
He said expanding electricity generation remained important to improving economic activities, supporting businesses and enhancing the quality of life of residents.
Water provision was also identified as a major priority for the coming financial year, with the governor indicating that the government would intensify efforts to improve access to water across the state.
In the sports sector, the N68.50 billion allocation is expected to support ongoing development initiatives, particularly the completion of the stadium project at Igbogene.
Diri linked the investment to preparations for Bayelsa’s hosting of the National Sports Festival, stressing the importance of having the necessary facilities ready for the national sporting event.
He also placed responsibility on the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to ensure that the proposed allocations were properly coordinated and translated into measurable results.
The governor urged the ministry to strengthen its monitoring and evaluation processes, while maintaining transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
He stressed that the success of the 2027 budget would depend not merely on the approval of the estimates but also on the government’s ability to execute the projects and programmes for which funds had been provided.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Michael Ogbere, commended Diri for his administration’s performance, particularly the implementation of the 2026 budget.
Ogbere praised the governor’s leadership style, describing him as a peacemaker and bridge builder who had demonstrated commitment to connecting communities through road and bridge construction.
He claimed that infrastructure projects had reached about 80 per cent of communities across the state, expressing confidence that the new projects outlined in the 2027 proposal were achievable.
The Deputy Speaker also assured the governor that the seventh Assembly would cooperate with the executive arm to facilitate the consideration and passage of the appropriation bill.
He expressed confidence in the administration’s development agenda and commended its efforts towards improving infrastructure and public services.
In a related development, the Majority Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Monday Bubou Obolo, moved a motion seeking a vote of confidence in Governor Diri and his administration.
The motion was unanimously supported by the lawmakers, signalling the Assembly members’ endorsement of the governor’s leadership.
The proposed N1.242 trillion budget will now undergo the necessary legislative consideration before its eventual passage, setting the financial direction for Bayelsa State’s development programmes in 2027.
About The Author
