Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Friday presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly, marking his first appearance before the Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule since the political crisis that fractured the legislature in 2023.
The budget presentation signals a significant thaw in relations between the executive and legislature following months of political tension, parallel legislative sittings and rival budget presentations.
Presenting the estimates, tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” Fubara said the proposal was designed to sustain economic growth, expand infrastructure, strengthen human capital development and deepen social investments 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 adjusted 2025 budget.
He attributed the projected growth to higher receipts from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), increased derivation revenue and improved internally generated revenue.
Of the proposed expenditure, ₦413.1 billion is earmarked for recurrent spending, while ₦1.405 trillion is allocated to capital projects.
Key capital allocations include ₦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 sectors.
Fubara also announced plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by at least 50 per cent and clear outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants.
He said his administration had maintained fiscal discipline through prudent management of public funds and remained committed to transparency, accountability 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,” he said.
The governor urged lawmakers to give the budget expeditious consideration, describing it as a people-centred blueprint for accelerating development, attracting investment, creating jobs and improving living standards across the state.
“Let us join hands to make sure Rivers State continues to stand out in good governance,” he said before formally presenting the appropriation bill to the Speaker.
Responding, Speaker Amaewhule assured the governor that the Assembly would give the proposal thorough consideration.
“Let me assure you on behalf of the members that we will give due consideration to your budget proposals,” he said.
He added that the legislature remained committed to supporting the state’s development.
“Our state has to grow, and all hands have to be on deck for the growth of Rivers State. We are willing to do all that is needed as an Assembly so our people can smile again,” Amaewhule said.
The 2026 Appropriation Bill subsequently passed its first reading.
Following the proceedings, Governor Fubara exchanged pleasantries with lawmakers before he was escorted out of the chamber by the Speaker and members of the House for a group photograph, underscoring the renewed cooperation between the executive and legislative arms after nearly three years of political divisions.
The House later adjourned plenary until July 20.
Earlier, Speaker Amaewhule entered the chamber in full ceremonial attire ahead of the governor’s arrival. A motion to receive the governor was moved by Majority Leader Hon. Major Jack and seconded by Minority Leader Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo before Fubara formally presented the budget estimates.
