Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Rivers State House of Assembly, in what marks his first appearance before the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly since the political crisis that divided the legislature in 2023.
The budget presentation represents a significant milestone in the state’s political reconciliation, following the resolution of the prolonged dispute between the executive and lawmakers that resulted in nearly three years of parallel legislative sittings and separate budget presentations.
Presenting the estimates, titled “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” Governor Fubara said the proposal is aimed at sustaining economic growth, expanding infrastructure, strengthening human capital development and increasing social investments across Rivers State. 
According to the governor, the proposed budget projects total revenue of ₦1.854 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year, reflecting a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget. He attributed the anticipated growth to improved allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), increased derivation revenue and higher internally generated revenue.
The budget allocates ₦413.1 billion to recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion is earmarked for capital projects.
A breakdown of the capital expenditure shows that ₦533.3 billion has been allocated to works and infrastructure, ₦315 billion to education, ₦105.4 billion to healthcare, ₦41.4 billion to the Rivers State House of Assembly, ₦30 billion to the judiciary and ₦19.3 billion to agriculture, among other critical sectors.
Governor Fubara also announced plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by at least 50 per cent. In addition, he pledged to clear outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants.
He maintained that his administration has sustained fiscal discipline through prudent management of public resources, reaffirming its commitment to accountability, transparency and responsible spending.
The governor appealed to members of the House to give the budget speedy consideration and approval, describing it as a people-focused financial plan designed to accelerate development, attract investment, create employment opportunities and improve the quality of life for residents of Rivers State.
