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Bayelsa

“Glory of All Lands”

Capital Yenagoa
Zone South South
LGAs 8
Population 1,704,358
2026 Budget ₦1.02T
🏠 8 LGAs 📄 Budget 🕐 History 🏂 Tribes 📍 Postal Codes

About Bayelsa

Bayelsa State is located in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and is one of the youngest states, created in 1996. It is known for its vast network of rivers, creeks, and rich oil reserves.
Historical Background
The land that is today Bayelsa State has been inhabited by the Ijaw people for well over three thousand years, making the Ijaw one of the oldest continuous inhabitants of the Niger Delta and, by many scholarly accounts, one of the oldest settled peoples in sub-Saharan Africa. The… Read full history →

Explore Bayelsa State

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8 LGAs
Local Govts
📄
State Budget
2026: ₦1.02T
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State History
Created 1996
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Tribes
Ethnic groups
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State Map
Interactive map
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Postal Codes
All LGA codes
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Officials
Governor & reps
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Elections
Gov election history

Quick Facts — Bayelsa

Official nameBayelsa
Capital city Yenagoa
Slogan / MottoGlory of All Lands
Geo-political zone South South
Local govt areas 8 LGAs →
Population (census) 1,704,358
Population density 158 / km²
Total area 10,773 km²
First governor DSP Alamieyeseigha (elected 1999); Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (first elected); Lt. Col. Walter Feghabo (first military administrator)
2026 budget ₦1.02T →

Frequently Asked Questions — Bayelsa

The capital city of Bayelsa State is Yenagoa. It is the seat of the Bayelsa State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Bayelsa State has 8 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each LGA has its own elected council and chairman responsible for grassroots governance, primary education and community infrastructure.
According to the National Population Commission, Bayelsa State has a population of 1,704,358. The state capital Yenagoa is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 158 persons per km².
Bayelsa State is in the South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The zone includes several other states and sends representatives to the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Assembly.
Bayelsa State was created in 1996. The first governor was DSP Alamieyeseigha (elected 1999); Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (first elected); Lt. Col. Walter Feghabo (first military administrator). Learn more on the Bayelsa State History page.
The Bayelsa State budget for 2026 is ₦1.02T. See the full breakdown on the Bayelsa State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Bayelsa State covers a total land area of 10,773 km². With a population density of 158 people per km².

Economy of Bayelsa

The economy of Bayelsa is heavily dependent on crude oil and natural gas production. It also has strong potential in fishing, agriculture, and maritime activities due to its riverine geography.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated at over 2.5 million. The state is predominantly inhabited by the Ijaw ethnic group, with smaller communities of other Niger Delta ethnicities.
1,704,358
Population
10,773
Area km²
158
Per km²
8
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Bayelsa

Bayelsa State is rich in cultural heritage and traditional festivals. Key attractions include the Oxbow Lake, Niger Delta wetlands, and cultural events showcasing Ijaw traditions, music, and dance.

History of Bayelsa State

The land that is today Bayelsa State has been inhabited by the Ijaw people for well over three thousand years, making the Ijaw one of the oldest continuous inhabitants of the Niger Delta and, by many scholarly accounts, one of the oldest settled peoples in sub-Saharan Africa. The Ijaw (also written …
Historical Kingdoms: Nembe Kingdom, Brass Kingdom, Kalabari Kingdom (partial), Ogbia clan federations, Kolokuma-Opokuma federations
🕐 Read Full History of Bayelsa →

2026 Appropriation

₦1.02T
Total Budget — Bayelsa State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Bayelsa State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Bayelsa State under Governor Douye Diri totals ₦1.02T. The budget details include capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), federal allocation (FAAC) and sector allocations covering education, health, infrastructure, security and agriculture.

See full budget details, sector allocations and year-on-year comparison →

Compare State Budgets

See how Bayelsa State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →