Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Friday presented a ₦1.854 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, marking a significant political milestone after months of tensions between the executive and the legislature.
The budget presentation, tagged Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development, was Governor Fubara’s first appearance before the Amaewhule-led Assembly since the political crisis that fractured the legislature in 2023.
The proposed spending plan focuses on accelerating economic growth, expanding infrastructure, improving education and healthcare, strengthening institutions, and enhancing the welfare of Rivers residents.
Governor Fubara entered the Assembly chamber after lawmakers formally invited him through a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, and seconded by the Minority Leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo, following Speaker Martin Amaewhule’s commencement of proceedings.
The presentation is widely viewed as another step towards restoring institutional cooperation after the prolonged political dispute that divided the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Presenting the appropriation estimates, Fubara disclosed that the ₦1.854 trillion proposal represents a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget.
He attributed the projected growth in government revenue to anticipated improvements in allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), increased oil derivation receipts and higher internally generated revenue (IGR).
According to the governor, the improved revenue outlook will enable the state government to sustain development projects while maintaining fiscal discipline.
The governor revealed that₦413.1 billion has been earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion has been allocated to capital projects aimed at driving economic transformation across Rivers State.
A breakdown of the capital expenditure shows:
- ₦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
- ₦19.3 billion for agriculture
Fubara said the spending priorities are designed to improve critical infrastructure, strengthen public institutions and stimulate inclusive economic development.
The governor announced plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by at least 50 per cent to improve operational efficiency and service delivery across the state.
He noted that better funding for government agencies would enhance public sector performance and ensure effective implementation of government programmes.
As part of the 2026 budget proposals, Fubara pledged to settle outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants and the families of deceased workers.
He described the move as part of his administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare and rewarding years of dedicated public service.
Governor Fubara said prudent management of public finances has enabled his administration to maintain economic stability despite prevailing national economic challenges.
He assured River’s residents that public funds would continue to be managed transparently and responsibly.
“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 stated.
Fubara described the 2026 Appropriation Bill as a development-oriented budget intended to stimulate economic growth, attract private investment, expand employment opportunities and improve the standard of living across Rivers State.
According to him, the proposed spending plan reflects his administration’s determination to build a resilient economy capable of meeting the developmental aspirations of the people.
Appealing to members of the House, Governor Fubara urged lawmakers to give the budget proposal accelerated consideration to ensure early implementation of projects and programmes outlined in the appropriation bill.
“Let us join hands to make sure Rivers State continues to stand out in good governance, he said before formally handing the budget document to Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
If approved, the ₦1.854 trillion Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development will provide the financial framework for Rivers State’s development agenda in 2026, with strong emphasis on infrastructure expansion, human capital development, improved public services and sustainable economic growth.
