Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, on Thursday presented the 2026 budget, titled ‘Assured Prosperity II’, to the state House of Assembly in Yenagoa, totaling approximately N998.37 billion.
The 2026 budget emphasizes infrastructure and human capital development, aligning with the administration’s vision for sustainable growth and economic diversification. Funding sources include a statutory allocation of N42.2 billion, Value Added Tax of N84 billion, 13 percent derivation of N212.6 billion, and other FAAC allocations totaling N488 billion.
Additional receipts comprise internally generated revenue of N85.9 billion, grants of N24.9 billion, and domestic loans of N50 billion.
Out of the total, N645.26 billion (64.6 percent) is earmarked for capital expenditure, while N353.11 billion (35.4 percent) is allocated to recurrent expenditure.
The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure received the largest allocation of N298.68 billion, followed by the Ministry of Education (N75.18 billion), Sports (N46.5 billion), Health (N39.7 billion), and pipe-borne water projects (N10.8 billion). Other critical sectors include power generation (N16.5 billion), security (N21.5 billion), and agriculture (N15.6 billion).
Speaking during the presentation, Diri said the budget would continue ongoing developmental projects, including major road expansions, bridges, internal roads, and the construction of an ultra-modern state secretariat.
He emphasized that the fiscal plan is designed to create jobs, improve public service delivery, and enhance the quality of life for Bayelsans.
“Mr Speaker, Bayelsans elected us to take bold actions to improve their quality of life. That is what we are doing and will continue to do. I trust that when history reviews our actions and this budget, our choices will be seen as the right ones,” Diri stated.
The governor urged lawmakers to give the budget accelerated consideration to ensure timely implementation of projects across all eight local government areas.
In response, Speaker Abraham Ingobere praised the administration’s transparent and people-centered policies, promising that the House would act swiftly to sustain ongoing initiatives and launch new programs to benefit residents.
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