Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Friday presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly, marking his first appearance before the Martin Amaewhule-led legislature since the 2023 political crisis.
The budget, titled “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” projects a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget, with expected revenue from FAAC allocations, derivation funds and internally generated revenue.
Governor Fubara proposed ₦413.1 billion for recurrent expenditure and ₦1.405 trillion for capital projects, with major allocations to infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, the judiciary and the state assembly.
He also announced plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies by at least 50 per cent while settling outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants.
The governor said his administration had maintained fiscal discipline and remained committed to transparency and prudent management of public funds.
“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,” he said.
Fubara appealed to lawmakers to approve the proposal, describing it as a people-focused budget designed to drive development, attract investment and improve residents’ living standards, adding, “Let us join hands to make sure Rivers State continues to stand out in good governance.”
Responding on behalf of the House, Speaker Martin Amaewhule assured the governor that the lawmakers would carefully consider the proposal, saying, “Let me assure you on behalf of the members that we will give due consideration to your budget proposals.”
Amaewhule added, “Our state has to grow, and all hands have to be on deck for the growth of Rivers State,” before concluding, “We are willing to do all that is needed as an assembly so our people can smile again.”
The bill passed its first reading before the Assembly adjourned plenary to July 20, while the cordial interaction between the governor and lawmakers highlighted a new phase of cooperation following years of political disagreement.
