Diri proposes ₦1.24tn Bayelsa 2027 budget, with 68% for capital projects

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has presented a proposed budget of ₦1.24tn for the 2027 fiscal year, with most of the money earmarked for projects rather than running costs.

The proposal, tagged the 2027 Budget of Assured Prosperity and Sustainable Growth and Development, was laid before the State House of Assembly in Yenagoa on Tuesday. It stands at ₦1,242,688,970,520.22, about 22 per cent higher than the 2026 budget.

Diri said ₦840.79bn, roughly 68 per cent, would go to capital expenditure, while ₦401.90bn, about 32 per cent, is for recurrent spending such as salaries and overheads.

"More importantly, over two-thirds of every naira goes to capital investment," the governor said, adding that these are projects residents can see, use and benefit from.

Where the money is going

The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure received the biggest allocation of ₦422.84bn. Education follows with ₦126.97bn, then Sports Development with ₦68.50bn, Health with ₦53.32bn, Security with ₦24bn, Public Utilities with ₦22.94bn and Agriculture with ₦17.74bn.

Diri said his first priority is completing ongoing roads and bridges, especially the senatorial coastway projects meant to link communities and open up the state's marine resources to trade.

On power, the government is targeting 100 megawatts of electricity in 2027. Daily Trust reported that this would come on top of the existing 60-megawatt gas turbine supplying power to the state. Diri also promised better water supply, starting with the Yenagoa metropolitan area.

The ₦68.50bn for sports is expected to help finish the state's 30,000-capacity stadium before the end of his tenure. In education, he promised continued support for model schools, accreditation for tertiary institutions, digital learning tools and teacher training. In health, he spoke of better facilities, adequate staffing and steps to keep doctors and nurses, with focus on maternal and child health in Yenagoa and rural areas.

On agriculture, Diri said Bayelsa's land and waterways give it the potential to become a major food producer, promising improved seedlings, fishing inputs and support for cooperatives.

The assumptions and what happens next

The budget is built on an oil benchmark of $60 per barrel, crude production of 1.8 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the dollar. It also assumes 18 per cent inflation and 3.5 per cent economic growth. Diri acknowledged that these are assumptions and that oil prices can be volatile.

He described the proposal as historic, being the first budget of Bayelsa's fourth decade and the last to be considered by the current Assembly. He asked lawmakers to pass it quickly so the appropriation law can take effect in January 2027.

The Speaker, Abraham Ingobere, who was represented by Deputy Speaker Michael Ogbere, commended the governor for presenting the budget on time and assured that the Assembly would give it the needed consideration.

For ordinary residents, the test will be whether the roads, power, water and hospital promises translate into visible change. The figures are proposals until the House passes them into law.