Diri proposes N290.2bn budget for Bayelsa in 2021

Bayelsa State has budgeted N290.2 billion for the 2021 fiscal year, with Works and Infrastructure receiving the largest chunk of N34 billion.

Presenting the budget christened ‘Budget of Growth’ on the floor of the state House of Assembly on Thursday in Yenagoa, Governor Douye Diri expressed optimism that 2021 will be marked by progress and prosperity for the state.

Diri noted that 2020 had been challenging due to the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic and the devastating flood that submerged parts of the state.

The 2021 Appropriation Bill of N290,295,465,423 also earmarks N24.9 billion for Education, N11.3 billion for Agriculture, N5.0 billion for Health, M3.3 billion for Environment and N500 million for Trade and Investment.

Personnel cost is estimated at N66,646,082,751 while capital expenditure would gulp N80,017,254,683 and overhead costs N66,185,336,658.

Diri assured that his administration would ensure transparent management of financial resources and that the 2021 budget would give

Bayelsans good reasons to face the future with confidence.

“Mr. Speaker, this budget defines our focus and steps in the imminent financial year and our ambition to diversify the economy, prioritise education, empower our youths to embrace agriculture, industrialise our state and create jobs that will bring prosperity to all,” Diri said.

“My profound congratulations to the good people of Bayelsa State for your stamina, doggedness, sacrifices, patience and partnership that you have accorded to the government as we have made some difficult choices to get the state out of some very inclement terrains.

“If there is one thing I have learned since the start of this administration, it is that faith must stand trial and that examination precedes promotion. We present this prosperity budget 2021 with the conviction that God will grant us favour, understanding and supply all that we need to actualise prosperity,” he said.

Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, in his remarks noted that the budget was achievable and commended the governor’s desire to bring prosperity to Bayelsans.