In a significant move aimed at consolidating developmental gains and fostering widespread economic growth, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Tuesday formally presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill totaling N998. плем 3 billion to the State House of Assembly. The presentation, which took place amid high expectations from lawmakers and stakeholders, underscores the administration's commitment to transformative governance in one of Nigeria's key oil-producing states. Governor Diri personally christened the proposal "A Budget of Assured Prosperity II," signaling a continuation of his vision for sustainable progress that builds on previous fiscal frameworks.
The budget's structure reveals a deliberate shift towards long-term investments, with a striking 65 percent—equivalent to approximately N649 billion—allocated to capital expenditure. This hefty portion is designed to fuel infrastructure projects, urban renewal, and essential services that directly impact the daily lives of Bayelsans. In contrast, recurrent expenditure, which covers salaries, overheads, and operational costs, is pegged at 35.4 percent, or around N353.3 billion. This allocation ratio reflects the governor's strategic emphasis on creating tangible assets rather than merely sustaining administrative functions, a approach that has become a hallmark of his prosperity agenda since assuming office.
At the forefront of the capital-intensive priorities is the Works and Infrastructure sector, which has been awarded the lion's share of N298.6 billion. This substantial funding is intended to accelerate ongoing and new initiatives that address Bayelsa's unique challenges, including its riverine terrain, flood-prone areas, and the need for robust connectivity. Governor Diri highlighted this sector's allocation as pivotal to unlocking the state's economic potential, enabling better transportation networks, improved public facilities, and enhanced resilience against environmental vulnerabilities.
Beyond infrastructure, the budget demonstrates a balanced approach to human capital development and social welfare. The Education sector receives a commendable N75.2 billion, underscoring the administration's recognition of knowledge as a cornerstone of prosperity. This funding will support school renovations, teacher training programs, scholarship schemes, and the expansion of vocational institutions, ensuring that the youth of Bayelsa are equipped for a competitive future. Similarly, the Sports sector has been bolstered with N46.5 billion, aimed at nurturing talents, constructing modern facilities, and promoting grassroots athletics as a tool for youth engagement and national representation.
Health, another vital pillar, is allocated N39.7 billion to strengthen healthcare delivery systems. This includes upgrades to primary health centers, procurement of medical equipment, and initiatives to combat prevalent diseases in the Niger Delta region. Security, a perennial concern in the state, garners N21.5 billion to enhance law enforcement capabilities, community policing, and conflict resolution mechanisms. The Power sector's N16.5 billion allocation targets energy reliability, with plans to expand rural electrification and support alternative sources. Agriculture, crucial for food security and diversification from oil dependency, gets N15.6 billion for mechanization, irrigation projects, and farmer support programs. Finally, the Ministry of Water Resources is slated for N10.8 billion to improve potable water supply, sanitation, and flood control measures.
During his address to the assembly, Governor Diri provided an update on several flagship projects that exemplify his administration's track record. He noted substantial advancements on the iconic nine-storey State Secretariat Complex, a modern administrative hub designed to streamline government operations and symbolize efficiency. The 30,000-capacity Bayelsa Stadium is also progressing rapidly, poised to become a venue for sports, entertainment, and economic activities that could boost tourism. Additionally, the 60-megawatt Independent Power Plant is nearing completion, promising to alleviate chronic power shortages and stimulate industrial growth. The governor further elaborated on the three Senatorial Roads project, which involves constructing durable roadways linking the state's senatorial districts, thereby facilitating trade, reducing travel times, and integrating remote communities into the mainstream economy.
Emphasizing the philosophical underpinning of his budgets, Senator Diri articulated that genuine prosperity transcends mere statistics; it must be inclusive and perceptible. "True prosperity is meaningful only when it is shared," he declared, reiterating that his fiscal policies have always prioritized essentials over extravagance. This people-centered approach ensures that developmental dividends permeate every nook and cranny of Bayelsa, from the creeks of Southern Ijaw to the uplands of Yenagoa. By focusing on community-level impacts—such as local road repairs, school supplies, and health outreaches—the administration aims to foster a sense of ownership and satisfaction among citizens, countering any perceptions of elitist governance.
The presentation was met with optimism from the legislative arm. The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, pledged a thorough yet swift review of the bill. He assured the governor that the assembly would conduct rigorous scrutiny to align the proposals with statutory requirements and public interest, while expediting passage to avoid delays in implementation. This collaborative spirit highlights the harmonious relationship between the executive and legislature in Bayelsa, which has facilitated the timely approval of previous budgets.
Among the lawmakers in attendance was Hon. Werinipre Pamoh, representing Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency 1, whose presence symbolized broad-based support across constituencies. Other assembly members echoed the speaker's sentiments, praising the budget's forward-looking nature and its potential to address pressing needs like unemployment, infrastructure deficits, and environmental degradation.
This 2026 budget comes at a critical juncture for Bayelsa, as the state navigates global oil market fluctuations, climate change impacts, and the push for economic diversification. With oil revenues forming a backbone of funding—supplemented by internally generated revenue and federal allocations—the proposal seeks to maximize returns on every naira spent. Analysts view it as a bold statement of intent, potentially positioning Bayelsa as a model for other resource-rich states in Nigeria.
In essence, Governor Diri's "Budget of Assured Prosperity II" is more than a financial document; it is a roadmap for equitable growth. By allocating over two-thirds to capital projects, it prioritizes lasting legacy over short-term palliatives. As the House of Assembly delves into deliberations, residents await outcomes that could redefine their livelihoods. If passed and executed effectively, this budget could herald an era where prosperity is not just assured but palpably experienced by every Bayelsan, from fishermen in the deltas to entrepreneurs in urban centers.
The presentation ceremony itself was a blend of formality and enthusiasm, with traditional rulers, party leaders, and civil society groups in attendance. Governor Diri's eloquence and data-driven justifications left little doubt about the bill's feasibility, drawing applause at key intervals. As Bayelsa marches towards 2026, this appropriation bill stands as a testament to visionary leadership, promising to build on past achievements while charting new paths to inclusive development.
