Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has presented a proposed ₦1.24 trillion budget for the 2027 fiscal year, allocating ₦422.84 billion to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure as his administration prioritises roads, bridges, electricity and other development projects.
The proposed ₦1,242,688,970,520.22 appropriation bill, tagged the 2027 Budget of Assured Prosperity for Sustainable Growth and Development, was presented to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for consideration and approval.
The proposal represents an increase of approximately 22 per cent over the ₦1.016 trillion budget for 2026, with capital expenditure accounting for the larger share of planned spending.
According to figures presented by Diri and reported by The PUNCH on November 3, ₦840.79 billion, representing approximately 68 per cent of the total budget, is earmarked for capital expenditure, while ₦401.90 billion, or 32 per cent, is allocated to recurrent expenditure.
The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure received the largest sectoral allocation of ₦422.84 billion, followed by Education with ₦126.97 billion and Sports Development with ₦68.50 billion.
The health sector was allocated ₦53.32 billion, while security received ₦24 billion. Public Utilities and Agriculture were allocated ₦22.94 billion and ₦17.74 billion, respectively.
Presenting the estimates, Diri said the government’s fiscal priorities included connecting communities through roads and bridges, improving healthcare and education services, expanding electricity supply and creating an enabling environment for businesses.
He said the financial projections were based on an oil price benchmark of $60 per barrel, crude oil production of 1.8 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the dollar.
Other economic assumptions include projected inflation of 18 per cent and economic growth of 3.5 per cent.
On infrastructure, the governor identified the Ekeremor–Agge Road Phase I, Nembe–Brass Road Phase I and Akaba–Ayakoro Road among the projects expected to receive priority attention in 2027.
The administration also plans to advance work on the 30,000-capacity stadium at Igbogene and other strategic infrastructure projects, including the nine-storey Civil Service Secretariat Complex.
Diri said the government was targeting an increase in electricity supply from its existing 60-megawatt independent power plant capacity to 100 megawatts in 2027.
He also identified improved water provision, beginning with the Yenagoa metropolitan area, as another priority for the coming fiscal year.
The governor said the administration would sustain investment in agriculture through improved seedlings, fishing inputs and support for cooperative initiatives.
In education, the proposed spending plan provides for improvements in model schools, technical and vocational education, digital learning and the accreditation of programmes in tertiary institutions.
The government also plans to strengthen healthcare facilities, improve staffing and introduce measures to retain medical personnel, particularly in rural communities.
According to Diri, the proposed appropriation is historic as it marks the first budget presented as Bayelsa enters its fourth decade since its creation in 1996.
He urged lawmakers to give the estimates timely consideration to enable the Appropriation Law to take effect in January 2027.
The proposal will now undergo legislative consideration before it can become the state’s approved budget for the 2027 fiscal year.
