Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Friday presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year to the Rivers State House of Assembly.
This marks his first appearance before the Martin Amaewhule-led legislature since the political crisis that fractured the state’s parliament in 2023.
The presentation is widely seen as another indication of renewed cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government following months of political tension that led to parallel sittings and separate budget presentations in the state.
Presenting the appropriation bill, christened the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” Fubara said the spending plan was designed to consolidate economic progress, expand infrastructure, improve social services and drive human capital development across the state.
The governor disclosed that the proposed expenditure represents a 24.49 per cent increase from the revised 2025 budget, attributing the projected growth in revenue to anticipated increases in allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, derivation funds and internally generated revenue.
According to the budget breakdown, the state plans to spend ₦413.1 billion on recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion has been earmarked for capital projects.
A significant portion of the capital budget is allocated to critical sectors, with ₦533.3 billion proposed for works and infrastructure, ₦315 billion for education and ₦105.4 billion for the health sector.
The proposal also earmarks ₦41.4 billion for the Rivers State House of Assembly, ₦30 billion for the judiciary and ₦19.3 billion for agriculture.
Fubara also announced plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies by at least 50 per cent and settle outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants.
He said his administration had maintained fiscal discipline despite economic challenges and remained committed to prudent management of public resources.
“We will ensure that every kobo of public funds is judiciously utilised to improve the lives of our people and create opportunities for economic growth. The welfare and collective interests of Rivers people remain our priority,” the governor said.
He urged lawmakers to expedite consideration of the budget, describing it as a development-driven financial plan aimed at stimulating investment, creating jobs and improving living standards across the state.
“This budget is designed to move Rivers State forward. I urge this honourable House to support its passage so that we can continue to deliver on our promises to the people,” he added.
Responding, Speaker Martin Amaewhule assured the governor that the Assembly would give the proposal the attention it deserves.
“On behalf of the members of this House, I assure you that the budget estimates will receive due consideration. We are all committed to the growth and development of Rivers State,” the Speaker said.
He added that the Assembly would work in collaboration with the executive to ensure that the interests of residents remain paramount.
“Our responsibility is to make laws and take decisions that will advance the state. We are prepared to do everything necessary to ensure that our people benefit from good governance,” Amaewhule stated.
The appropriation bill subsequently scaled first reading during the plenary and was scheduled for further legislative action when the House reconvenes on July 20.
The session ended on a cordial note, with Governor Fubara exchanging pleasantries with lawmakers before posing for photographs with members of the Assembly, underscoring the renewed harmony between the two arms of government after nearly three years of political discord.
