Fubara Presents ₦1.854tn 2026 Budget to Amaewhule-Led Rivers Assembly After Reconciliation

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Friday presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, marking his first appearance before the Assembly since the political crisis that split the legislature in 2023.

The presentation represents a significant milestone in Rivers State's political reconciliation, following months of strained relations that saw parallel legislative sittings and separate budget presentations by rival factions.

Presenting the estimates, tagged "Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development," Fubara said the proposal is designed to sustain economic growth, expand infrastructure, strengthen human capital development and improve social welfare across the state.

According to the governor, the proposed ₦1.854 trillion budget represents a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget.

He attributed the projected revenue growth to improved allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), increased derivation revenue and higher internally generated revenue.

Of the total proposal, ₦413.1 billion is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion has been allocated for capital projects.

The capital expenditure includes, ₦533.3 billion for works and infrastructure, ₦315 billion for education, ₦105.4 billion for healthcare, ₦41.4 billion for the Rivers State House of Assembly, ₦30 billion for the judiciary and ₦19.3 billion for agriculture, among other sectors.

Fubara also announced plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by at least 50 per cent, while clearing outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants.

He said his administration has maintained fiscal discipline through prudent management of public resources and remains committed to accountability, transparency 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," the governor said.

He urged lawmakers to give the appropriation bill speedy approval, describing it as a people-oriented blueprint aimed at accelerating development, attracting investment, creating employment opportunities and improving the quality of life of Rivers residents.

"Let us join hands to make sure Rivers State continues to stand out in good governance," he added.

Receiving the proposal, Speaker Martin Amaewhule assured the governor that the House would give the budget thorough and timely consideration.

"Let me assure you on behalf of the members that we will give due consideration to your budget proposals," Amaewhule said.

He added that the Assembly understood its constitutional responsibility to support the state's development.

"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 2026 Appropriation Bill passed first reading before the House adjourned plenary until July 20.

The sitting concluded with Governor Fubara exchanging warm pleasantries with lawmakers before posing for a group photograph alongside the Speaker and members of the Assembly, a symbolic display of executive-legislative unity after nearly three years of political division in the state.