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Gov. Fubara Presents ₦1.854 Trillion 2026 Budget, Makes First Appearance Before Rivers Assembly Since Political Crisis
Gov. Fubara Presents ₦1.854 Trillion 2026 Budget, Makes First Appearance Before Rivers Assembly Since Political Crisis
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year to the Rivers State House of Assembly, marking a significant political moment as it was his first appearance before the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly since the crisis that split the legislature in 2023.
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The appropriation bill, tagged the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” was formally laid before lawmakers during plenary at the Assembly Complex, signalling what many observers see as a new chapter in the relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government.
Ahead of the governor’s arrival, Speaker Martin Amaewhule entered the chamber dressed in full Speaker’s regalia, while the Majority Leader, Major Jack, moved a motion to receive Governor Fubara. The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo, paving the way for the governor to enter the chamber and formally present the state’s spending proposal.
Presenting the estimates, Governor Fubara said the proposed budget was carefully designed to consolidate economic growth, strengthen infrastructure, expand social investment programmes and improve human capital development across Rivers State.
He disclosed that the state expects to generate total revenue of ₦1.854 trillion in 2026, representing a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget.
According to the governor, the projected revenue growth is expected to come from improved allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), higher derivation funds and increased internally generated revenue.
Of the proposed budget, ₦413.1 billion has been earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while a substantial ₦1.405 trillion will fund capital projects, reflecting the administration’s emphasis on infrastructure expansion and long-term development.
A breakdown of the proposed expenditure showed that the works and infrastructure sector received the highest allocation of ₦533.3 billion, underscoring the government’s commitment to expanding and upgrading critical infrastructure across the state.
Education was allocated ₦315 billion, while the health sector is expected to receive ₦105.4 billion to strengthen healthcare delivery.
The Rivers State House of Assembly was allocated ₦41.4 billion, with the judiciary receiving a proposed ₦30 billion. Agriculture was allocated ₦19.3 billion as part of efforts to boost food production and economic diversification.
Several other sectors are also expected to benefit from the capital expenditure programme as the government seeks to stimulate economic activities throughout the state.
Governor Fubara announced that overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) would increase by at least 50 per cent to improve operational efficiency across government institutions.
He also assured workers and retirees that his administration would clear outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants and the families of deceased workers.
The governor maintained that his administration had continued to sustain fiscal stability through prudent management of public resources and reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible spending.
“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.
Describing the appropriation bill as a people-focused development blueprint, he said it was aimed at attracting investment, creating employment opportunities and improving the living conditions of residents across Rivers State.
The governor also appealed to lawmakers to give the budget 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 Speaker Amaewhule.
Receiving the budget proposal, Speaker Martin Amaewhule assured the governor that members of the House would carefully scrutinise the estimates before taking the necessary legislative action.
“Let me assure you on behalf of the members that we will give due consideration to your budget proposals,” Amaewhule said.
The Speaker noted that the Assembly fully understood its constitutional responsibility and remained committed to supporting initiatives that would accelerate the development of Rivers State.
“Our state has to grow, and all hands have to be on deck for the growth of Rivers State.
“We are willing to do all that is needed as an Assembly so our people can smile again.”
Following the presentation, the appropriation bill successfully passed its first reading.
In another symbolic moment after the proceedings, Governor Fubara exchanged pleasantries with members of the Assembly before Speaker Amaewhule and other lawmakers accompanied him out of the chamber.
The governor and legislators also posed for a group photograph, a development widely seen as projecting renewed cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government af
ter months of political tension in the state.
