Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Photo: State government
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.
This marks Fubara’s first appearance before the Martin Amaewhule-led legislature since the political crisis that divided the Assembly in 2023.
The presentation followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, and seconded by the Minority Leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo, inviting the governor into the chamber after Speaker Amaewhule took his seat.
Tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” the appropriation proposal is aimed at sustaining economic expansion, improving infrastructure, strengthening social services and driving human capital development across the state.
Presenting the budget estimates, Fubara said the proposed expenditure of ₦1.854 trillion represents a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget.
He attributed the projected rise in revenue to expected improvements in statutory allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, increased derivation earnings and higher internally generated revenue.
According to the governor, ₦413.1 billion has been proposed for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion is earmarked for capital projects.
He said the capital component prioritises key sectors, with ₦533.3 billion allocated to works and infrastructure, ₦315 billion to education, ₦105.4 billion to healthcare, ₦41.4 billion to the Rivers State House of Assembly, ₦30 billion to the judiciary and ₦19.3 billion to agriculture.
Fubara also announced plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies by at least 50 per cent to improve service delivery.
He added that his administration would clear outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants as part of efforts to improve workers’ welfare.
The governor said prudent management of public resources had enabled his administration to maintain fiscal stability despite prevailing economic challenges.
“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.
Fubara described the appropriation bill as a development-focused budget designed to stimulate economic growth, attract investment, expand employment opportunities and improve the quality of life of Rivers residents.
He urged lawmakers to give the proposal speedy consideration and approval.
“Let us join hands to make sure Rivers State continues to stand out in good governance,” the governor added before handing the budget document to Speaker Amaewhule.
