Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Rivers State House of Assembly, marking his first official budget presentation before the Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule since the political crisis that divided the legislature in 2023.
The presentation is widely seen as a significant political milestone following the reconciliation between the governor and lawmakers after nearly three years of parallel legislative activities. The proposed budget, tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” is aimed at driving economic expansion, improving infrastructure, strengthening education and healthcare, boosting agriculture, and enhancing social investments across Rivers State.
The plenary commenced with Speaker Martin Amaewhule entering the chamber in full regalia ahead of Governor Fubara’s arrival. A motion to receive the governor was moved by Majority Leader Major Jack and seconded by Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo before the governor formally presented the appropriation bill.
While presenting the budget, Governor Fubara explained that the proposed ₦1.854 trillion spending plan represents a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget.
He attributed the projected revenue growth to improved allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), increased derivation funds, and stronger internally generated revenue.
Of the total estimate, ₦413.1 billion is proposed for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion is allocated to capital projects.
The capital expenditure 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
- ₦19.3 billion for agriculture
- Additional allocations for other critical sectors of the economy.
Governor Fubara also announced plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by at least 50 per cent, while settling outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants.
According to him, the administration has maintained fiscal discipline through prudent management of public finances and remains committed to transparency and accountability.
“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,” the governor said.
He appealed to lawmakers to support the budget, describing it as a people-focused financial plan designed to accelerate development, attract investments, create employment opportunities and improve the standard of living across Rivers State.
“Let us join hands to make sure Rivers State continues to stand out in good governance,” he added before officially handing the budget proposal to Speaker Amaewhule.
Receiving the appropriation bill, Amaewhule assured the governor that the House would give it prompt consideration.
“Let me assure you on behalf of the members that we will give due consideration to your budget proposals,” the Speaker said.
He noted that the legislature understood its constitutional responsibility and 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.”
He further added:
“We are willing to do all that is needed as an assembly so our people can smile again.”
The 2026 Appropriation Bill subsequently passed its first reading.
Following the presentation, Governor Fubara exchanged pleasantries with members of the Assembly before leaving the chamber alongside Speaker Amaewhule and other lawmakers for a group photograph, symbolising renewed cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government.
The House later adjourned plenary until July 20.
The budget presentation marks a new chapter in Rivers State politics, coming after the reconciliation between Governor Fubara and the Assembly, ending nearly three years of political tensions, parallel legislative sittings and separate budget presentations, while paving the way for closer collaboration on governance and development.
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