Fubara Unveils ₦1.85tn 2026 Budget for Growth, Infrastructure

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Rivers State House of Assembly, with major investments earmarked for infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors.

Presenting the proposal, tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” on Friday, the governor said the spending plan was designed to sustain economic growth, improve public service delivery and enhance the living standards of residents.

Fubara said the proposed budget of ₦1,854,248,734,475.76 represents a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget, reflecting the state’s improved revenue outlook and commitment to responsible fiscal management.

He explained that the revenue projection comprises ₦487.61 billion from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), ₦936.05 billion from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations, derivation funds, Value Added Tax (VAT) and exchange gains, while ₦382.48 billion is expected from grants, loans, asset sales and other capital receipts.

The governor proposed ₦1.405 trillion for capital expenditure and ₦413.11 billion for recurrent expenditure, noting that the allocation underscores his administration’s determination to fast-track development through sustained investment in strategic sectors.

He disclosed that ₦154.77 billion had been set aside for personnel costs, while ₦15.22 billion would cater for the recruitment of additional workers. The budget also makes provisions for pensions, gratuities, death benefits and debt servicing.

To improve efficiency in government operations, Fubara proposed a 50 per cent increase in overhead allocations for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), assuring that outstanding gratuities and death benefits inherited from previous administrations would also be settled.

The Works and Infrastructure sector received the highest capital allocation of ₦533.32 billion, followed by Education with ₦315 billion and Healthcare with ₦105.43 billion.

Other allocations include ₦41.44 billion for the Rivers State House of Assembly, ₦30 billion for the Judiciary, ₦19.26 billion for Agriculture, ₦15 billion for Power, ₦8.5 billion for Chieftaincy and Community Development, ₦7.98 billion for Sports, ₦7 billion for Youth Development, ₦6.61 billion for Environment and Sustainable Development, and ₦6.5 billion for Women Affairs.

According to the governor, the budget will finance the completion of ongoing road projects, support new infrastructure development, strengthen education and healthcare services, create employment opportunities and stimulate inclusive economic growth across the state.

He urged members of the House of Assembly to give the appropriation bill accelerated consideration to enable its early passage and implementation.

Responding, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, assured the governor that lawmakers would expedite legislative action on the proposal.

Amaewhule described the appropriation bill as comprehensive and responsive to the developmental needs of the state, expressing confidence that its timely passage would facilitate effective implementation for the benefit of Rivers people.

By Nzeuzor Jane and Maduadugwo Jane, Port-Harcourt 

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