Governor Fubara submitted the N1.85tn 2026 budget to the Assembly

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has submitted a budget proposal of ₦1.854 trillion for fiscal year 2026 to the State House of Assembly, led by Chief Martins Amaewhule.

The presentation of the document entitled “Resilience Budget for Growth and Development” marked his first appearance before the Amaewhule-led Assembly since the political crisis that split the legislature in 2023.

The session opened with Amaewhule entering the room dressed in full attire as a speaker ahead of the governor’s arrival. The motion to accept the governor was moved by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, and seconded by the Minority Leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo, before Governor Fubara stepped in to formally present the bill.

While presenting the estimates, Governor Fubara said the proposals are designed to sustain economic growth, strengthen infrastructure, enhance human resource development and increase social investment across the state.

The governor projected total revenues of ₦1.854 trillion for fiscal year 2026, an increase of 24.49 percent over the adjusted 2025 budget.

He attributed the expected growth to higher receipts from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), derivation funds and internally generated revenues.

Of the proposed budget, ₦413.1 billion is allocated for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion is allocated for capital projects.

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The capital allocation includes ₦533.3 billion for jobs and infrastructure, ₦315 billion for education, ₦105.4 billion for health care, ₦41.4 billion for the Rivers State House of Assembly, ₦30 billion for the judiciary, and ₦19.3 billion for agriculture, among others.

Governor Fubara also announced plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by at least 50 percent and eliminate arrears of allowances and death benefits payable to retired civil servants.

He said his government had maintained fiscal stability through prudent management of public funds, and stressed that the government remained 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 of the utmost importance to us as a government,” he said.

The governor urged lawmakers to approve the budget, describing it as a people-centered blueprint aimed at accelerating development, attracting investment, creating jobs and raising living standards for residents across the coastal state.

“Let us join hands to ensure Rivers State continues to excel in good governance,” added the governor, before formally handing over the bill to Chief Amaewhule.

Receiving the bill, Amaewhule immediately carried out an examination before speaking directly to the governor on behalf of the DPR.