Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Friday presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year 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 commenced with Speaker Martin Amaewhule entering the chamber in full ceremonial regalia ahead of the governor’s arrival. A motion to receive Governor Fubara was moved by Majority Leader Major Jack and seconded by Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo before the governor formally addressed lawmakers.
Presenting the proposal, titled “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” Fubara said the spending plan is designed to drive sustainable economic growth, expand infrastructure, improve human capital development and strengthen social investment programmes across the state.
The governor projected total revenue of ₦1.854 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year, representing a 24.49 per cent increase over the revised 2025 budget. He attributed the expected revenue growth to higher allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), increased derivation receipts and improved internally generated revenue.
Of the proposed budget, ₦413.1 billion has been earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion is allocated to capital projects.
The capital component 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 critical sectors.
Fubara also announced plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by at least 50 per cent, while pledging to clear outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants.
He said his administration had maintained fiscal discipline through prudent management of public resources and reaffirmed its commitment to 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.
Fubara urged lawmakers to give the budget speedy consideration and approval, describing it as a people-focused roadmap for accelerating development, attracting investment, creating employment opportunities and improving the quality of life for residents.
“Let us join hands to ensure Rivers State continues to stand out as a model of good governance,” he said before formally presenting the Appropriation Bill to Speaker Amaewhule.
