BREAKING! Fubara Submits ₦1.854Trn 2026 ‘Budget of Resilience’ to State Assembly, Prioritises Infrastructure, Education, Economic Growth

After months of suspense, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has on Friday July 10, 2026, presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Rivers State House of Assembly, which he referred to as “Budget of Resilience”.

The presentation marked his first appearance before the Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule since the political crisis that divided the legislature in 2023.

The budget presentation represents a significant milestone in the state’s political environment, coming after the reconciliation between the governor and members of the Assembly following almost three years of parallel legislative sessions and separate budget presentations.

Presenting the estimates, titled “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” Governor Fubara said the proposal was designed to sustain economic expansion, strengthen infrastructure, improve human capital development, and increase social investment across Rivers State.

The Governor projected total revenue of ₦1.854 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year, reflecting a 24.49 per cent increase over the revised 2025 budget. He attributed the projected rise to increased inflows from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), derivation revenue, and internally generated revenue.

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

The capital budget 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.

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

He noted that his administration had sustained fiscal stability through prudent management of public resources, emphasising its commitment 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,” he said.

The Governor appealed to lawmakers to give speedy approval to the budget, describing it as a people-focused blueprint intended to accelerate development, attract investments, generate employment opportunities, and improve the standard of living of Rivers residents.

“Let us join hands to make sure Rivers State continues to stand out in good governance,” the governor added before formally presenting the budget to Speaker Amaewhule.

Responding on behalf of the Assembly, the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule assured the governor that the House would thoroughly consider the proposal.

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

The Speaker stated that the Assembly clearly understood its constitutional responsibility.

“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.” Amaewhule said.

Following the presentation, the 2026 Appropriation Bill passed its first reading on the floor of the House.
At the end of the proceedings, Governor Fubara exchanged pleasantries with members of the Assembly before the Speaker and lawmakers accompanied him out of the chamber for a group photograph, symbolising renewed cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government after years of political differences.

Earlier, the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule entered the legislative chamber in full official regalia ahead of the Governor’s arrival. A motion to receive Governor Fubara was moved by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, and seconded by the Minority Leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo, after which the Governor formally presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

The House subsequently adjourned plenary until July 20.