Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday presented a ₦1.854 trillion proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.
The presentation marked the governor’s first appearance before the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly since the political crisis that divided the legislature in 2023.
Fubara laid the appropriation bill, christened the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” before lawmakers during plenary at the Assembly complex.
Before the governor’s arrival, Amaewhule entered the chamber dressed in full Speaker’s regalia. A motion to receive Fubara was subsequently moved by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, and seconded by the Minority Leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo.
The governor thereafter entered the chamber to formally present the proposed spending plan. Fubara said the proposed budget was designed to consolidate economic growth, strengthen infrastructure, expand social investment and improve human capital development across the state.
He projected total revenue of ₦1.854 trillion for the year, representing a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget.
The governor attributed the projected increase to expected improvements in revenue from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, derivation funds and internally generated revenue.
Of the total estimate, ₦413.1 billion was allocated to recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion was proposed for capital projects.
The capital component represents the bulk of the budget and reflects the administration’s plan to priorities infrastructure and development projects.
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Infrastructure Gets ₦533.3 Billion
A breakdown of the proposal showed that ₦533.3 billion was allocated to works and infrastructure, while education received ₦315 billion.
The health sector was allocated ₦105.4 billion, with ₦41.4 billion earmarked for the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The judiciary received a proposed ₦30 billion, while ₦19.3 billion was allocated to agriculture. Other sectors are also expected to benefit from the capital expenditure plan.
Fubara announced that overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies would be increased by at least 50 per cent.
He also pledged that his administration would clear outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants and the families of deceased workers.
The governor said his administration had sustained fiscal stability through prudent management of public resources.
He assured residents that the government would remain committed to transparency, accountability and responsible expenditure.
“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 appropriation bill as a people-centered development plan aimed at attracting investment, creating employment opportunities and improving living conditions across the state.
The governor 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,” he added before handing the budget document to Amaewhule.
NAIJANEWA
