Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, describing it as a blueprint for rebuilding confidence, accelerating infrastructure development and expanding economic opportunities after months of political uncertainty in the oil-rich state. The appropriation bill, tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” was laid before the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has unveiled an ambitious ₦1.854 trillion budget proposal for 2026, signalling his administration’s determination to consolidate governance and drive economic recovery following the prolonged political crisis that reshaped Rivers State’s political landscape.
Presenting the appropriation bill before the Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday, the governor said the proposal is designed to strengthen critical sectors while maintaining fiscal discipline and transparency in public finance.
Tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” the proposed spending plan projects total revenue of ₦1.854 trillion, representing a 24.49 percent increase over the state’s adjusted 2025 budget.
According to Fubara, the projected revenue will be financed through multiple streams, including Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations, derivation proceeds, grants, loans, asset sales and opening balances.
The governor said the budget prioritises infrastructure renewal, education, healthcare, security, economic expansion and improved public service delivery, adding that prudent financial management has helped keep the state’s finances stable despite recent challenges.
The presentation marks a significant political milestone, as it was delivered before the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly following months of institutional disputes that affected governance in Rivers State.
Earlier judicial decisions had directed that appropriation bills be presented to the Amaewhule-led Assembly before federal allocations to the state could resume, making Friday’s presentation an important constitutional and administrative step in the state’s budget process.
Fubara urged lawmakers to give the proposal speedy consideration, stating that the budget is intended to consolidate investments in infrastructure, human capital development and economic growth while improving the welfare of Rivers residents.
The Rivers State House of Assembly is expected to begin legislative scrutiny of the appropriation bill before deciding on its passage into law.
Beyond its financial projections, the 2026 budget represents another test of the evolving relationship between the executive and legislature in Rivers State. As lawmakers begin deliberations, attention will focus not only on the size of the spending plan but also on how effectively its implementation translates into improved infrastructure, public services and economic opportunities for residents. (TheCable)