Rivers Assembly promises speedy consideration of Fubara’s N1.854tn budget

The Rivers State House of Assembly has assured Governor Siminalayi Fubara of speedy consideration of the proposed N1.854tn 2026 Appropriation Bill despite its late presentation.

Fubara presented the appropriation bill, christened ‘Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development’, to the Assembly for consideration and approval.

The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, stated that the budget was presented after six months of the fiscal year had elapsed.

He, however, assured the governor that despite the delay, the House would consider the proposal in line with the law and in the interest of the state.

Presenting the estimates before the lawmakers in Port Harcourt, the governor said the budget was the product of extensive public participation and reflected a shared vision of building an economically resilient, thriving and prosperous Rivers State.

According to him, the proposal has a capital expenditure of N1,405,270,817,869.36, while N413,109,396,705.70 is allocated to recurrent expenditure.

Fubara said the proposed total operating revenue for 2026 was projected to increase by 24.49 per cent over the 2025 adjusted budget projections due to expected increases in receipts from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, derivation funds and internally generated revenue as the national economy continues to show signs of growth.

He stated that, in addition to aligning with the state’s fiscal realities, the 2026 budget estimates prioritised the core objectives of building a secure, prosperous and resilient state characterised by inclusive economic growth, sustainable development and improved standards of living.

According to him, the key priorities for the 2026 fiscal year are economic growth, human capital development, socio-economic infrastructure and social investment.

Fubara noted that despite the challenges faced by his administration, governance had continued seamlessly, with significant progress recorded in road infrastructure, human capital development and the security of lives and property.

“Most significantly, our State has remained fiscally stable, thanks to our commitment to fiscal responsibility, prudence, and accountability in managing public funds.

“We do not tolerate mismanagement at any level and have wisely utilised public funds to provide services, attract investment, create jobs, and offer socio-economic opportunities for our people,” the governor stated.

Key sectoral allocations include Works and Infrastructure, N533.32bn; Education, N315bn; Healthcare, N105.43bn; Power, N15bn; Agriculture, N19.26bn; Sports, N7.98bn; and Youth Development, N7bn.

Others are the Rivers State House of Assembly, N41.44bn; Rivers State Judiciary, N30bn; Women Affairs, N6.5bn; Chieftaincy and Community Development, N8.5bn; and Environment and Sustainable Development, N6.61bn.

The governor said the proposal reflected the needs and aspirations of Rivers people.

“At the core of this budget is our commitment to infrastructure development – including new investments, the completion of ongoing road projects, and the maintenance of existing roads and bridges.

“We have also allocated an exceptionally large budget to education, aiming to reshape the future of our State’s education systems to achieve better outcomes.

“Mr Speaker, the 2026 budget is not just about allocating funds to specific socio-economic sectors. Instead, it is a people-centred budget that acts as a blueprint for progress and service delivery, outlining a vision for a better future.

It will bring tangible benefits to every ward, local government area, and resident.

“As a government, we remain committed to getting the essentials right and building a state where all residents, regardless of background, receive the services they deserve.

“We will ensure every kobo is spent wisely to deliver services, attract investment, create jobs, and provide opportunities for our people to flourish,” he said.

Fubara urged lawmakers, irrespective of political affiliation, to support and approve the budget to accelerate development and recover lost ground.

Responding, Amaewhule said the Assembly would engage the relevant ministries, departments and agencies on the budget estimates.

He said, “You have already acknowledged that the budget is coming late. And you have also said that if this proposal is approved, that you will work expeditiously in the interest of Rivers State.

“Let me assure you, on behalf of members, that we will give due consideration to your proposals. Recall that very recently we gave the consideration that is required in line with Rivers State’s Fiscal Responsibility Law to the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.

“We looked at what your projections are for the next three fiscal years, and the House approved the MTEF. Today you have laid before this August Assembly the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

“We will do what we need to do, and what is required of us in line with the 1999 Constitution as amended. We will ensure that we hear from the ministries, departments, agencies and commissions of the Rivers State Government.

“We will see where the state is as of today and compare notes with what your proposals are. But I can say that you should rest assured that whatever we are going to be doing will definitely be in the interest of Rivers State.”

The Speaker said all hands must be on deck to ensure the state’s progress and development.

“The good people of Rivers State are yearning for improved life and the dividends of democracy.

“Every sector of the state’s economy will need to be touched to achieve a better life for our people, particularly in education, health and other sectors.

“But let me say that for us in the Rivers State House of Assembly, we are willing to do all that is needed of us as an Assembly so that our people can have the smile that they deserve at the end of the day,” Amaewhule said.

The Speaker thereafter directed the Clerk of the House to read the Appropriation Bill for the first time.

The bill subsequently passed first reading.

After the session, the governor exchanged handshakes with the lawmakers, after which the Speaker invited members to take a group photograph with him outside the chamber.