…Votes 68% to CAPEX, 32% to OPEX

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has presented a N1.2 trillion 2027 Appropriation Bill entitled: “Budget of Assured Prosperity for Sustainable Growth and Development”, to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly for consideration and passage.

Governor Diri explained while presenting the Appropriation Bill to Bayelsa State House Assembly in Yenagoa on Tuesday that the 2027 budget estimates were derived from broad stakeholder engagements, involving traditional rulers, technical experts, the organised private sector and citizens across the State.

He also stated that it was a historic budget being the first as the State is beginning its fourth decade and presented at a time sustained investments are visible in all the local government areas.

He said: “Our fiscal priorities remain clear: roads and bridges that connect communities, better health and education services, reliable power and an environment in which businesses and families can thrive.”

According to him, N840.791 billion representing approximately 68% was proposed for capital expenditure, while recurrent expenditure was put at N401.897 billion representing approximately 32%.

He observed that the proposed budget was approximatly 20% larger than the 2026 budget of N1.016 trillion.

Governor Diri listed some strategic projects that would continue to receive priorty attention in the 2027 budget as they are at advanced stages of completion.

They include the Ekeremor–Agge Road Phase I, Nembe–Brass Road Phase I, Akaba–Ayakoro Road with spur to Otuegwe 1, Glory Drive Phase 3, Agbere-Elemebiri Road, the 30,000-seater stadium at Igbogene, and the nine-storey state secretariat complex.

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He expressed the conviction that with work progressing on the three senatorial roads, all local government headquarters, would be connected to the State capital and boost socio-economic activities across the State.

“With work progressing on all senatorial causeways, we are moving closer to an ambition our people have held since the creation of the State, to connect the capital to every local government headquarters and open up access to our coastal communities. This will boost fisheries, marine and blue economy enterprises, and tourism.

“These projects demonstrate that our beautiful terrain should not limit our ambition. With resolve, sound planning and prudent management, Bayelsa is building what many once thought was impossible.”

He said that works and infrastructure got N422.84 billion followed by education with N126.97 billion and sports with N68.50 billion, while health received N53.32 billion, security N24 billion, public utilities N22.94 billion and agriculture got N17.74 billion.

Governor Diri charged the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to enforce coordination, transparency and accountability and ensure effective implementation of the budget.

The governor assured that the State Government would continue to improve its model schools, support accreditation of programmes in tertiary institutions, strengthen science and technical education and introduce digital learning tools in schools.

He added that his administration would pursue the upscaling of its 60 megawatts independent power plant to 100 megawatts and prioritise water provision in 2027.

Governor Diri expressed hope that the money allocated to Sports would enable the government to accelerate work on the stadium project as the State is preparing to host the National Sports Festival.

In his remarks, Michael Ogbere, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, commended Governor Diri for the successful implementation of the 2026 budget, and appreciated him for his visionary leadership.

Ogbere described Diri, as a peace maker, bridge builder and a leader who has constructed roads and bridges across 80 per cent of all communities in the state, expressing confidence that the projects outlined were achievable.

He assured the governor of the 7th Assembly’s support and speedy passage of the budget, while Monday Bubou, Majority Leader, moved a motion for a vote of confidence on Governor Diri and his administration.