Gov Diri Signs Bayelsa N1.016trn 2026 Budget, Assents to Six Strategic Laws
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Tuesday formally assented to the state’s 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1.016 trillion, alongside six other key legislations, at the Government House in Yenagoa, PulseNets learned.
The governor also signed into law the Rural Access Funds Law 2025, Rural Access Road Authority Law 2025, Water Sector Law 2025, Statistics Law 2025, Harmonised Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law 2025, as well as the Bayelsa Medical University Amendment Law 2025, PulseNets obtained from official sources.
Governor Diri explained that the executive initially presented a budget estimate of N998.371 billion to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly on November 13, but following extensive scrutiny and consultations with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), lawmakers approved an upward review of N17.7 billion, representing a 1.77 per cent increase.
The governor assured Bayelsans that his administration would ensure full implementation of the 2026 budget, noting that the government successfully maintained the January–December budget cycle in the outgoing fiscal year.
He commended the leadership of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly for the timely consideration and passage of the bills, stressing that continued cooperation among the three arms of government remains critical to addressing the state’s developmental challenges.
“Let us continue to sustain this mutual understanding and working relationship to promote sustainable growth and development in our state. However, there must always be checks and balances,” Governor Diri said.
He further added: “Where implementation is not going as expected, you should exercise your constitutional powers to ensure compliance with the law. On our part, we will do our utmost to guarantee the full implementation of the 2026 Appropriation Law.”
Presenting the bills, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, described the “Budget of ASSURED Prosperity II” as more than a legislative document, but a reflection of the progress recorded in improving the welfare of Bayelsans across key sectors.
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According to Ingobere, the budget underscores gains in infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, public utilities, education, and agriculture, among others.
He explained that the slight upward review of the budget was necessitated by prevailing economic realities in the country, noting that the adjustment also reflects the legislature’s responsiveness to the aspirations and needs of the people of Bayelsa State, PulseNets reported.
