Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has 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 legislature led by Martin Amaewhule since the political crisis that divided the Assembly in 2023.
The budget, titled “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” is designed to sustain economic expansion, improve infrastructure, strengthen human capital and increase social investments across the state.
Before the governor’s arrival, Speaker Amaewhule presided over the sitting, after which lawmakers approved a motion inviting Fubara into the chamber to present the budget estimates.
The governor projected total revenue of ₦1.854 trillion for 2026, representing a 24.49 per cent increase over the revised 2025 budget. He attributed the anticipated rise to higher allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), increased derivation revenue and improved internally generated revenue.
Of the total estimate, ₦413.1 billion is proposed for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion is earmarked for capital projects. Key allocations include ₦533.3 billion for infrastructure and public works, ₦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.
Fubara also announced plans to raise overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies by at least 50 per cent while settling 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 transparency, accountability and responsible spending.
The governor urged lawmakers to approve the proposal, describing it as a development-focused budget aimed at creating jobs, attracting investment and improving the welfare of Rivers residents.
Responding on behalf of the Assembly, Speaker Amaewhule assured the governor that the legislature would give the budget thorough consideration, stressing that lawmakers remained committed to supporting initiatives that would advance the state’s development.
The bill subsequently passed its first reading before plenary was adjourned to July 20.
Following the presentation, Governor Fubara exchanged pleasantries with members of the House and posed for a group photograph alongside the Speaker and lawmakers, symbolising improved relations between the executive and legislative arms after nearly three years of political division and parallel legislative activities.