By Philip Eke, Yenagoa
The commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, have disclosed the state’s financial inflows and expenditures for the first quarter of 2026, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance during a media briefing.
Koku-Obiyai stated that details of all revenues received and expenditures incurred between January and March 2026 have been made available for public scrutiny, describing the exercise as “transparency in practice, not just in principle.”
Providing a breakdown of the state’s finances, the Special Adviser to the governor on treasury and accounts, chief Timipre Seipulo, explained that in January 2026, total payments exceeded total receipts by ₦27.33 billion, resulting in a deficit.
However, a balance of ₦88.2 billion brought forward from the previous period covered the shortfall, leaving a closing balance of ₦60 billion for the month.
According to him, in February, the state recorded another deficit of ₦2.2 billion, as payments again which surpassed receipts.
The January closing balance of ₦60 billion absorbed this deficit, resulting in a carried-forward balance of ₦58,648,646,137.87.
Similarly, in March, total payments exceeded receipts by ₦1.82 billion, the February balance of ₦58,648,646,137.87 covered the deficit, leaving a closing balance of ₦56,825,657,803.86 to be carried into April.
Koku-Obiyai noted that development projects across critical sectors of the state’s economy are progressing steadily and will be delivered on schedule,she attributed this to prudent resource management under the State Governor, Douye Diri, whom she said remains committed to deploying public office for service and the overall wellbeing of citizens.
According to her, the ongoing execution of legacy projects across the state reflects effective management of public resources.
She highlighted the recent commissioning of major infrastructure by President Bola Tinubu, including the dualised new Yenagoa city road linking the airport route, the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road, and a 60-megawatt gas turbine plant.
She further disclosed that former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo is expected to commission additional projects, including the Agbura oxbow lake road and a referral hospital in Oporoma, while several others are awaiting commissioning.
The commissioner added that more projects are ongoing across the three senatorial districts, including a FIFA-standard stadium in Igbogene and a nine-storey secretariat complex,reiterating the administration’s commitment to completion, Koku-Obiyai assured that no ongoing project would be abandoned, stressing that governor Diri’s resolve is to “finish strong” before the end of his tenure.
On power supply, she acknowledged public expectations regarding the 60-megawatt gas turbine project, assuring that work is progressing steadily,she explained that the facility will become fully operational once all safety installations are completed, emphasizing that safety will not be sacrificed for speed.
She called for continued public support, urging residents to remain law-abiding, trust constituted authorities, and take ownership of projects within their communities.
On debt obligations, the state Accountant-General, Ms. Tokoni Ifidi, recalled that during the 2016 economic downturn, when the state struggled to pay salaries, the federal government introduced relief measures for states’ financial obligations.
She explained that Bayelsa opted for a 10-year loan restructuring plan instead of a longer tenure to reduce overall interest costs, despite higher monthly repayments,according to her, the decision has proven beneficial, as the state has now fully liquidated the obligation.
She added that the improved financial position underscores the administration’s disciplined fiscal strategy and commitment to long-term sustainability.
