In a significant move to set the fiscal agenda for the coming year, the governors of Bayelsa and Edo States have formally enacted their 2026 appropriation bills into law. The signings took place on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, marking a crucial step in the budgetary process for both states.
Bayelsa's N1.016 Trillion Budget and Accompanying Laws
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, assented to the N1.016 trillion 2026 budget at the Government House in Yenagoa. The governor did not only sign the appropriation bill but also gave his assent to six other critical pieces of legislation passed by the State House of Assembly.
The additional laws signed alongside the budget include:
- The Rural Access Funds Law 2025
- The Rural Access Road Authority Law 2025
- The Water Sector Law 2025
- The Statistics Law 2025
- The Harmonised Taxes and Levies Approved List for Collection Law 2025
- The Bayelsa Medical University Amendment Law 2025
Governor Diri provided details on the budget's journey, noting that an initial proposal of N998.371 billion was presented to the Assembly on November 13. Following rigorous scrutiny and consultations with various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the legislative body increased the figure by N17.7 billion, representing a 1.77 per cent rise.
Commitment to Implementation and Inter-Governmental Harmony
In his remarks, Governor Diri assured citizens of his administration's dedication to the full execution of the 2026 fiscal plan. He highlighted the government's success in maintaining a January to December budget cycle for the outgoing year and pledged to replicate that discipline.
The governor expressed gratitude to the state Assembly's leadership for the timely passage of the bills. He emphasized that the existing cooperation among the executive, legislature, and judiciary is vital for tackling the state's developmental challenges.
"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," Diri stated. He encouraged the Assembly to exercise its oversight powers to ensure adherence to the law, while promising that the executive would do its utmost for full implementation.
Edo's 'Budget of Hope and Growth' Becomes Law
In a parallel ceremony at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, signed the state's N939 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law. The bill, christened the "Budget of Hope and Growth," had earlier been passed by the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA).
The signing event was attended by the Speaker and other members of the House. Governor Okpebholo described the budget as a strategic tool engineered to speed up development and elevate the living standards of the people of Edo.
He noted that the fiscal document mirrors his administration's dedication to purposeful governance. The governor also commended the Speaker and EDHA members for their diligence and expediency in reviewing and passing the bill, describing their action as a clear demonstration of productive synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government.
Setting the Stage for 2026
The simultaneous signing of these substantial budgets by the two governors from Nigeria's South-South region sets a proactive tone for the 2026 fiscal year. With combined spending plans exceeding N1.9 trillion, the focus for both states is now shifting to the critical phase of implementation. The success of these budgets will hinge on the sustained collaboration between government branches and effective monitoring by the respective state assemblies, as highlighted by Governor Diri.
