Fubara presents N1.854trn 2026 budget to Rivers Assembly, seeks swift approval

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday, presented a proposed N1.854 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Fubara described the budget as a blueprint for sustained growth, infrastructure development, and improved public services.

The proposal, tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” marks 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 the House adopted a motion moved by Majority Leader Major Jack and seconded by Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo, following Speaker Martin Amaewhule’s formal seating.

Presenting the budget, Fubara said the proposed expenditure of N1.854 trillion represents a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget, attributing the projected revenue growth to anticipated increases in statutory allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), higher derivation receipts and improved internally generated revenue.

According to him, N413.1 billion is proposed for recurrent expenditure, while N1.405 trillion has been allocated for capital projects aimed at accelerating development across the state.

He disclosed that the capital budget prioritises critical sectors, with N533.3 billion earmarked for works and infrastructure, N315 billion for education, N105.4 billion for healthcare, N41.4 billion for the Rivers State House of Assembly, N30 billion for the judiciary, and N19.3 billion for agriculture.

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Fubara also announced plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by at least 50 per cent to enhance service delivery across government institutions.

The governor further pledged to clear outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants, describing workers’ welfare as a key priority of his administration.

He said prudent management of public resources had enabled the state 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,” Fubara said.

He described the 2026 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.

The governor urged members of the Assembly to expedite consideration and passage of the proposal, saying collaboration between the executive and legislature was essential to advancing the state’s development.