From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Tuesday, signed into law the state’s 2026 Appropriation bill of N1.016 trillion alongside six other bills in Government House, Yenagoa.
The other legislations are 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 and the Bayelsa Medical University Amendment Law 2025.
Governor Diri explained that an initial bill of N998.371 billion was presented to the House of Assembly on November 13 and after a careful scrutiny and consultation with Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the assembly increased it by N17.7 billion, representing 1.77 per cent.
He assured that the government would ensure the full implementation of the 2026 budget law just as it was able to keep to the budget cycle of January to December in the outgoing year.
He thanked the leadership of the state assembly for the timely passage of the bills and noted that the cooperation among the three arms of government would enable them continue to address jthe developmental challenges of the state.
“Let us continue to keep this mutual understanding and relationship to foster sustainable growth and development of our state. But, of course, there must be checks and balances.
“If there is any implementation that is not going on well, exercise your powers to ensure that this law is adhered to. On our part, we will try our best to ensure full implementation of this Appropriation Law 2026.”
Presenting the bills, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, said the “Budget of ASSURED Prosperity II” was more than just a piece of legislation but a symbol of appreciation for the strides made in improving the lives of Bayelsans from infrastructure development to healthcare, public utilities, education, agriculture among others.
Ingobere stated that the budget was slightly reviewed upward to reflect l current economic realities in the country and to demonstrate the legislature’s adaptability to the yearnings and aspirations of people of the state.
