By Taiwo Scholarstica
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing it as a blueprint for sustained growth and development in the state.
The presentation marked the governor’s first appearance before the Martin Amaewhule-led House since the political crisis that split the Assembly in 2023.
The governor was invited into the chamber following a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, and seconded by the Minority Leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo, shortly after Speaker Martin Amaewhule took his seat.
Tagged the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” the proposed budget is designed to promote economic growth, improve infrastructure, strengthen social services, and enhance human capital development across Rivers State.
While presenting the estimates, Governor Fubara explained that the proposed ₦1.854 trillion budget represents a 24.49 percent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget.
He stated that the projected increase in revenue is expected to come from improved statutory allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, higher derivation receipts, and increased internally generated revenue.
According to the governor, the budget allocates ₦413.1 billion for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion has been set aside for capital projects aimed at accelerating development across various sectors.
He disclosed that the capital allocation 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.
Governor Fubara also revealed plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies by at least 50 percent to improve efficiency and service delivery across government institutions.
The governor further assured residents that his administration would settle outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants as part of ongoing efforts to improve workers’ welfare.
He noted that prudent management of state resources had helped the government maintain fiscal stability despite prevailing economic challenges.
“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.