Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri tables ₦1.24 trillion 2027 budget with 68% earmarked for capital projects

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State delivered the state's 2027 Appropriation Bill to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly on 4 November 2026. The document, named the Budget of Assured Prosperity for Sustainable Growth and Development, forecasts overall income of ₦1.242 trillion, an increase of about 22 percent over the 2026 budget. Of this amount, ₦840.79 billion (approximately 68 percent) is slated for capital expenditure, while ₦401.90 billion (about 32 percent) is allocated to recurrent spending.

In presenting the budget, Diri highlighted that the figures were derived from extensive stakeholder consultations involving traditional rulers, technical experts, private‑sector representatives and residents. He described the budget as historic, marking the first for the state as it enters its fourth decade, and emphasized priorities such as roads and bridges, health and education services, reliable power and an enabling environment for businesses and families.

Background

The 2027 budget follows a series of infrastructure initiatives already underway in Bayelsa. Diri highlighted multiple initiatives in the final phases, such as the first stage of the Ekeremor–Agge and Nembe–Brass roads, the Akaba–Ayakoro route featuring a branch to Otuegwe 1, the third phase of Glory Drive, the Agbere‑Elemebiri highway, a 30,000-capacity arena in Igbogene, and a nine-level government headquarters building. He noted that continued work on three senatorial causeways is intended to connect every local‑government headquarters to the state capital, a goal he said would stimulate fisheries, marine and blue‑economy enterprises as well as tourism.

Sectoral allocations reflect the administration’s focus on infrastructure and social services. The Works and Infrastructure Ministry secures the highest allocation of ₦422.84 billion. Education is allocated ₦126.97 billion, Sports Development ₦68.50 billion, while the Health sector is assigned ₦53.32 billion, Security is granted ₦24 billion, and Public Utilities receives ₦22.94 billion, with Agriculture allotted ₦17.74 billion.

Economic assumptions underpinning the budget include an oil price benchmark of US$60 per barrel, crude production of 1.8 million barrels per day, an exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the dollar, projected inflation of 18 percent and an overall economic growth rate of 3.5 percent. Diri acknowledged the volatility of international oil markets but said the assumptions provide a basis for fiscal planning.

Why it matters

The proposed allocations target improvements in connectivity for Bayelsa’s largely riverine communities, aiming to reduce isolation and boost economic activity. By directing a substantial portion of the budget to roads, bridges and other infrastructure, the state hopes to facilitate trade, tourism and the blue‑economy sector, which are critical for local livelihoods.

Increased spending on health and education reflects an effort to enhance human‑development outcomes. The ₦53.32 billion earmarked for health and ₦126.97 billion for education are intended to upgrade facilities and services, potentially improving living standards across the state’s 8 local government areas.

Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, responded to the presentation by assuring prompt legislative consideration. He indicated that lawmakers would scrutinise the economic assumptions and allocations, inviting ministries, departments and agencies to defend their budgetary requests. Ingobere stressed the Assembly’s commitment to a transparent and accountable budgeting process.

What happens next

According to the Speaker, the Bayelsa State House of Assembly will commence immediate consideration of the appropriation bill. Ministries, departments and agencies are expected to present detailed justifications for their proposed expenditures. The Assembly’s review will focus on the realism of the oil‑price and inflation assumptions, as well as the feasibility of the projected capital projects. Pending legislative approval, the budget will be enacted for the 2027 fiscal year, guiding the state’s financial planning and development agenda.

The budget’s success will depend on effective coordination, transparency and accountability, as emphasized by Governor Diri, who tasked the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning with overseeing implementation. Stakeholders across the state will be watching closely to see whether the projected investments translate into tangible improvements in infrastructure, services and economic opportunities.