Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has presented a proposed budget of ₦1.24 trillion for the 2027 fiscal year, with 68 per cent allocated to capital expenditure and a target of generating 100 megawatts of electricity.
The proposed ₦1,242,688,970,520.22 budget, titled the 2027 Budget of Assured Prosperity and Sustainable Growth and Development, is aimed at strengthening infrastructure, improving public services and expanding economic activities across the state. Presenting the estimates before the Bayelsa State House of Assembly on Tuesday, Diri disclosed that ₦840,791,394,666.69, representing approximately 68 per cent of the total budget, would go to capital expenditure. Recurrent expenditure was put at ₦401,897,575,853.53, representing 32 per cent.
The governor said the budget was prepared using 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 projections include an inflation rate of 18 per cent and economic growth of 3.5 per cent. He noted that these assumptions would guide the state’s financial planning while acknowledging the uncertainties associated with fluctuations in the global oil market.
Diri said the proposed budget was about 22 per cent higher than the 2026 budget, adding that the administration intended to direct more resources towards projects that would have visible benefits for residents. The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure received the largest allocation of ₦422.84 billion, followed by Education with ₦126.97 billion.
Other allocations include ₦68.50 billion for Sports Development, ₦53.32 billion for Health, ₦24 billion for Security, ₦22.94 billion for Public Utilities and ₦17.74 billion for Agriculture. On infrastructure, the governor said the government would focus on completing ongoing road, bridge and other strategic projects, particularly the senatorial district road projects. He explained that the investments were expected to improve connectivity, open up communities and support commercial activities.
For the power sector, Diri announced a target of supplying 100 megawatts of electricity in 2027. He also identified access to clean water as a priority, beginning with the Yenagoa metropolitan area. In agriculture, the governor said the state’s land and waterways provided opportunities to expand food production. He promised continued support for farmers through improved seedlings, fishing inputs and assistance to cooperative groups.
The education sector is also expected to receive attention through investments in model schools, accreditation programmers for tertiary institutions, science and technical education, digital learning tools and teacher training. Diri further pledged to improve healthcare facilities, strengthen staffing and introduce measures to retain doctors and nurses. He said primary healthcare services, particularly maternal and child healthcare, would be improved in both urban and rural communities.
The ₦68.50 billion allocated to sports development is expected to 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 said it was the first appropriation proposal for Bayelsa’s fourth decade and the last to be presented before the current State House of Assembly. He also highlighted the planned power plants and nine-storey Civil Service Secretariat Complex as long-term investments intended to support public service delivery and economic activities for future generations.
The governor commended the Assembly for its cooperation with the Executive, describing the relationship between both arms of government as important to his administration’s progress. He urged lawmakers to scrutinize and approve the estimates promptly to enable the 2027 Appropriation Law to take effect in January. Diri said the presentation was made in accordance with Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, and other relevant laws. He also appealed to politicians and political parties to maintain peaceful political activities and avoid actions capable of threatening the state’s unity.
Governor Douye Diri has proposed a ₦1.24 trillion budget for Bayelsa State in 2027, with 68 per cent dedicated to capital projects. Major priorities include infrastructure, electricity, education, healthcare and agriculture.
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