By Ayomide Otitoju
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Thursday 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 Speaker Martin Amaewhule since the political crisis that split the Assembly in 2023.
The budget presentation followed formal legislative proceedings, with the Majority Leader, Major Jack, moving a motion to receive the governor, which was seconded by Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo before Fubara entered the chamber.
Presenting the estimates, tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” the governor said the proposal was aimed at sustaining economic growth, expanding infrastructure, strengthening human capital development and increasing social investments across the state.
Fubara 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), derivation revenue and internally generated revenue.
Of the proposed budget, ₦413.1 billion is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion is allocated to capital projects.
The capital allocation includes ₦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.
The governor 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.
Fubara said his administration had maintained fiscal discipline through prudent management of public funds and reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, transparency and responsible spending.
He urged lawmakers to approve the budget, describing it as a people-focused blueprint designed to accelerate development, attract investment, create jobs and improve residents’ living standards.
Receiving the proposal, Speaker Amaewhule assured the governor that the Assembly would give the budget due consideration.
He said the legislature remained committed to working for the growth and development of Rivers State, adding that lawmakers were prepared to support initiatives that would improve the welfare of the people.
Following the presentation, Governor Fubara exchanged pleasantries with members of the Assembly before leaving the chamber alongside the Speaker and lawmakers, underscoring renewed cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government after nearly three years of political tensions and parallel legislative activities.
