By Oluwakemi Kindness
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly, marking his first budget presentation before the Martin Amaewhule-led legislature since the state’s political crisis began in 2023.
Presenting the estimates tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” Fubara on Friday said the proposal is designed to drive economic growth, expand infrastructure, strengthen education and healthcare, and improve social welfare across the state.
The governor projected ₦1.854 trillion in revenue for 2026, a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget. He attributed the expected growth to higher allocations from the Federation Account, increased derivation revenue and improved internally generated revenue.
The budget allocates ₦413.1 billion for recurrent expenditure and ₦1.405 trillion for capital projects.
Key allocations include ₦533.3 billion for works and infrastructure, ₦315 billion for education, ₦105.4 billion for healthcare, ₦41.4 billion for the State House of Assembly, ₦30 billion for the judiciary and ₦19.3 billion for agriculture.
Fubara also announced plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies by at least 50 per cent and clear outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants.
He said his administration would continue to prioritise prudent spending, transparency and accountability.
Receiving the bill, Speaker Martin Amaewhule assured the governor that lawmakers would give the proposal due consideration, stressing that the Assembly was committed to supporting the state’s growth and development.
The 2026 Appropriation Bill passed its first reading and the House adjourned plenary to July 20.
The budget presentation marks a significant improvement in relations between the executive and legislature following months of political reconciliation after nearly three years of division in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
