Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has presented N385.2 billion budget estimate for 2023 to the state House of Assembly, with the Ministry of Works, Infrastructure, Education and Agriculture topping in allocation.

The appropriation bill, christened “Budget of Sustainable Reconstruction’, is expected to be largely funded by 40 per cent from Federal Allocation receipts, 39 per cent of 13 per cent derivation fund, five per cent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), four per cent of grants and 12 per cent from loans.

Diri, who pointed out that the compilation of the 2023 budget proposal was done after an interactive session with stakeholders in September 2022, said the budget took into consideration the needs of the people of the state.

He also indicated that considering the 70.7 per cent implementation of the 2022 budget for nine months, the 2023 budget proposal would take care of the personnel cost estimated at N635 billion; overhead cost, N95 billion; capital expenditure, N167.5 billion while pension and gratituity will be N14.7 billion.

Also public and debt servicing is expected to gulp N33.7 billion and contributory pension, N4.7 billion.

In the breakdown of funds allocated to ministries in the state, Diri announced that Works & Infrastructure has N77.9 billion; education, N40.4 billion; agriculture, N14.1 billion; finance,N13.8 billion; health,12.5 billion and Lands & Housing, N7.2 billion.

He said: “In view of the enormous impact of the flood, we have also set up a post flood management committee, headed by the deputy governor for our recovery plan, including but not limited to the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, food security, and other humanitarian challenges. This is urgently required to enable our people return to normal life.

The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ngobere, commended the governor for the ongoing projects at different levels of completion, describing the approaches adopted by the state government as tactical and commendable.

“On the budget, may I start by appreciating our governor and his team for their commitment, courage and character in implementing the 2022 budget in the face of daunting economic challenges. As a state, we are particularly proud of the various ongoing projects at different levels of completion. Also, kudos to your tactical and unique approaches toward every sector in this administration.”

“Let me specifically commend your commitment to creating enabling environment for projects such as the Yenagoa/Oporoma/Ukubie road with assurance of driving to Angiama before the end of this tenure.”