Get Guardian on GoogleBayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has proposed allocating ₦422.84bn to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure in the state’s proposed ₦1.24tn budget for the 2027 fiscal year.
The proposed appropriation, presented to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, is aimed at consolidating infrastructure development, improving public services and stimulating economic activities across the state.
Christened the 2027 Budget of Assured Prosperity and Sustainable Growth and Development, the proposal stands at ₦1,242,688,970,520.22, representing an increase of approximately 22 per cent over the 2026 budget.
Education received the second-largest allocation of ₦126.97bn, while the Ministry of Sports Development was allocated ₦68.50bn. Health received ₦53.32bn.
Other allocations include ₦24bn for security, ₦22.94bn for public utilities and ₦17.74bn for agriculture.
Presenting the estimates, Diri said the government proposed ₦840.79bn for capital expenditure, representing 68 per cent of the total budget, while recurrent expenditure accounted for ₦401.90bn, or 32 per cent.
The governor said the budget was based on an oil 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.
On infrastructure, Diri said his administration would prioritise the completion of ongoing road and bridge projects, particularly the senatorial coastway projects aimed at connecting communities and improving access to economic opportunities.
He also disclosed that the government was targeting 100 megawatts of electricity supply in 2027, alongside improved water provision, beginning with Yenagoa.
In agriculture, the governor promised continued support for farmers through improved seedlings, fishing inputs and cooperative initiatives.
He also pledged further investment in education, healthcare facilities, vocational training and the retention of medical personnel across the state.
Diri described the proposed appropriation as historic, noting that it was the first budget of Bayelsa’s fourth decade and the last to be considered by the current State House of Assembly.
He urged lawmakers to give the estimates timely consideration to enable the appropriation law to take effect in January 2027.
