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, describing it as a blueprint for economic growth, infrastructure development and improved public services.
The budget presentation marked Fubara’s first appearance before the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly since the political crisis that split the legislature in 2023.
The governor entered the chamber after lawmakers adopted a motion moved by Majority Leader Major Jack and seconded by Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo, inviting him to present the budget before the House.
Tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” the proposal seeks to sustain economic expansion, improve critical infrastructure, strengthen social services and invest in human capital development.
Presenting the estimates, Fubara said the proposed ₦1.854 trillion budget represents a 24.49 per cent increase over the revised 2025 appropriation.
“The increase in the budget is expected to be supported by improved statutory allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, higher derivation revenue and increased internally generated revenue,” the governor said.
According to him, ₦413.1 billion has been proposed for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion is allocated to capital projects.
The governor said the capital spending plan prioritises major sectors, including ₦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.
Fubara also disclosed plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies by at least 50 per cent to improve service delivery across the state.
He added that his administration would settle outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants as part of efforts to improve workers’ welfare.
“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,” Fubara said.
The governor described the appropriation bill as a development-driven budget designed to stimulate economic growth, attract investment, create employment opportunities and improve the living standards of Rivers residents.
He urged lawmakers to give the proposal accelerated consideration and approval.
“Let us join hands to ensure that Rivers State continues to stand out as a model of good governance,” Fubara told the Assembly before formally handing the budget document to Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
