Diri Presents ₦1.24tn Bayelsa 2027 Budget, Allocates 68% to Capital Projects

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has presented a proposed ₦1.24tn budget for the 2027 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, prioritising infrastructure development, public services and economic growth.

The proposal, christened the 2027 Budget of Assured Prosperity and Sustainable Growth and Development, stands at ₦1,242,688,970,520.22.

Presenting the estimates on Tuesday, Diri said capital expenditure would account for ₦840.79bn, representing approximately 68 per cent of the total budget, while recurrent expenditure would receive ₦401.90bn, or 32 per cent.

He explained that the proposed budget was approximately 22 per cent higher than the 2026 appropriation and was designed to direct more resources towards projects with tangible benefits for residents.

The financial projections are based on a crude oil benchmark of $60 per barrel, daily oil production of 1.8 million barrels and an exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the dollar. The government also projected inflation at 18 per cent and economic growth of 3.5 per cent.

The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure received the largest allocation of ₦422.84bn, followed by Education with ₦126.97bn and Sports Development with ₦68.50bn.

Other allocations include ₦53.32bn for Health, ₦24bn for Security, ₦22.94bn for Public Utilities and ₦17.74bn for Agriculture.

Diri said the government would prioritise the completion of ongoing road, bridge and other strategic infrastructure projects, particularly the senatorial district coastal road projects intended to connect communities and improve access to commercial opportunities.

On electricity, he announced a target of 100 megawatts of power supply in 2027, alongside plans to improve water provision, beginning with the Yenagoa metropolitan area.

The governor also pledged continued support for agriculture through improved seedlings, fishing inputs and assistance to cooperatives, while promising investments in model schools, technical education, digital learning and teacher training.

In the health sector, he said the administration would strengthen healthcare facilities, improve staffing, retain medical personnel and expand primary healthcare services, particularly maternal and child healthcare in urban and rural communities.

He further disclosed that the ₦68.50bn allocation to sports development would support the completion of the state's 30,000-capacity stadium before the end of his administration.

Describing the proposal as a historic budget, Diri noted that it was the first appropriation of Bayelsa's fourth decade since its creation in 1996 and the last budget to be considered by the current State House of Assembly.

He urged lawmakers to scrutinise and approve the estimates promptly to enable implementation from January 2027.

The governor also called on political actors to maintain peace and decorum, warning against activities that could undermine the state's unity and development.