Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has presented a 2025 budget totalling N689.4 billion to the State House of Assembly, christened “Budget of ASSURED Prosperity.” This budget, Diri explained, is aimed at driving socio-economic growth and extensive infrastructural development across the state.
“Building on the gains and lessons from our first term, we are focused on advancing the state’s socio-economic and infrastructural landscape,” Diri said. “We’ve introduced a new mantra, the ‘ASSURED Agenda,’ which outlines seven strategic pillars to drive economic growth, social development, infrastructure improvement, environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and good governance.”
The budget, as outlined by the governor, is structured to be funded through various revenue streams, including an opening balance of N14.2 billion, statutory allocations of N17 billion, and VAT collections estimated at N57 billion. Another significant portion will come from the 13% derivation and refunds, totalling N138.8 billion. According to Diri, “This comprehensive funding approach allows us to maximize resources for critical areas while remaining financially sustainable.”
In addition to these funds, Bayelsa expects to generate N29.1 billion from excess crude refunds, N103.1 billion from exchange gains, N39 billion in internally generated revenue, N39.4 billion in grants, and N141.4 billion from capital receipts, which include electronic money transfers, signature bonuses, cash calls, and loans.
These diversified sources of income are part of Diri’s strategy to boost the state’s revenue base without overly relying on federal allocations.
On the expenditure side, Diri announced that personnel costs are projected to take N108.34 billion, accounting for 13.3% of total spending, with N91.96 billion earmarked for salaries, N19.3 billion for pensions and gratuities, and N3.34 billion for CRFC transfers.
Overheads, he noted, will consume N79.66 billion, while total recurrent expenditure will stand at N263.38 billion, representing 38.2% of the budget. “We are committed to ensuring that these allocations are used efficiently and transparently,” the governor stated, pledging accountability to the people of Bayelsa.
The budget also includes a significant capital expenditure of N404.76 billion, with an additional planning reserve of N21.3 billion, bringing the total capital allocation to N426.07 billion, or 61.8% of the budget. Sector-wise, Diri revealed that N178.76 billion is earmarked for Works and Infrastructure, with allocations for Education (N35.85 billion), Urban and Housing Development (N13.68 billion), Energy and Power (N14.45 billion), Agriculture (N16.65 billion), Security (N19 billion), Healthcare (N19.19 billion), and Community Development (N10.2 billion). “As a transparent and inclusive government, we have prioritized citizen involvement in our budgeting through stakeholder engagements and public sessions, ensuring that our development goals align with the needs of Bayelsans,” Diri emphasized.
