… earmarks N422.84bn for Works, N126.97bn for Education
Bayelsa state governor, Senator Douye Diri, has presented a proposed budget of N1.24 trillion for the 2027 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.
The budget, christened “Budget of Assured Prosperity for Sustainable Growth and Development,” stands at N1,242,688,970,520.22, representing a 22 per cent increase over the 2026 budget.
Presenting the appropriation bill, governor Diri said N840.7 billion, representing 68 per cent of the total budget, was earmarked for capital expenditure, while N401.8 billion, or 32 per cent, was allocated to recurrent expenditure.
An analysis of the proposed allocations shows that the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure received the highest allocation of N422.84 billion, followed by Education with N126.97 billion and Sports with N68.50 billion.
Other major allocations include Health, ₦53.32 billion; Security, N24 billion; Public Utilities, N22.94 billion; and Agriculture, N17.74 billion.
Governor Diri explained that the proposal, which is anchored on the 2027–2029 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, prioritises the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges and strategic developments, particularly the senatorial causeways.
He added that the budget would also facilitate the expansion of the state’s 60-megawatt Independent Power Plant to 100 megawatts, as well as the advancement of the 30,000-capacity stadium at Igbogene and the nine-storey State Secretariat Complex.
The governor commended the Speaker and members of the Assembly for their cooperation, diligent scrutiny and effective oversight, which he said had sustained a cordial relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government.
In a related development, the House approved the state’s 2024/2025 Audited Accounts following consideration of the report presented by the House Committee on Public Accounts.
The Deputy Speaker, Michael Ogbere, who presided over the plenary, applauded Governor Diri for what he described as impactful and life-changing projects and programmes across the state.
He assured the governor that the lawmakers would give the 2027 appropriation bill thorough and judicious consideration to ensure its timely passage.
The Assembly also passed a vote of confidence on governor Diri in recognition of his performance in office.