THE governor of Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara has presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly, marking his first appearance before the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly since the political crisis that divided the legislature in 2023.
The budget presentation signals a significant shift in the state’s political landscape following the reconciliation between the governor and lawmakers after nearly three years of parallel legislative sittings.
Presenting the estimates, titled “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” Fubara said the proposal is aimed at sustaining economic growth, expanding infrastructure, improving human capital development, and increasing social investments across Rivers State.
The governor projected ₦1.854 trillion in total revenue for the 2026 fiscal year, representing a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget.
He attributed the projected increase to higher allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), derivation funds, and improved internally generated revenue.
Of the proposed budget, ₦413.1 billion is allocated for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion is set aside for capital projects.
The capital allocation includes ₦533.3 billion for works and infrastructure, ₦315 billion for education, ₦105.4 billion for healthcare, ₦41.4 billion for the Rivers State House of Assembly, ₦30 billion for the judiciary, and ₦19.3 billion for agriculture, among other sectors.
Fubara also announced plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by at least 50 per cent, while clearing outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants.
He maintained that his administration remains committed to prudent financial management, accountability, transparency, and responsible spending.
“We will ensure every kobo is spent wisely to create jobs for our people. The collective interests of our people are most important to us as a government,” the governor said.
He urged lawmakers to approve the budget, describing it as a people-focused plan designed to drive development, attract investment, create employment opportunities, and improve residents’ standard of living.
Receiving the budget proposal, Speaker Martin Amaewhule assured the governor that the House would give the estimates prompt consideration.
“Let me assure you on behalf of the members that we will give due consideration to your budget proposals,” he said.
Amaewhule added that lawmakers understood their responsibility to support the state’s development.
“Our state has to grow, and all hands have to be on deck for the growth of Rivers State. We are willing to do all that is needed as an assembly so our people can smile again,” he stated.
The 2026 Appropriation Bill subsequently passed its first reading before the House adjourned plenary until July 20.
Following the proceedings, Governor Fubara exchanged pleasantries with lawmakers before leaving the chamber alongside the Speaker and members of the Assembly for a group photograph, symbolising renewed cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government after years of political tensions.
