Gov. Siminalayi Fubara Presents ₦1.854 Trillion 2026 Budget to Rivers Assembly, Prioritises Infrastructure, Education and Healthcare

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly, with a strong focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and improved public service delivery.

The budget, titled “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” is designed to sustain economic growth, expand critical infrastructure, and improve the welfare of Rivers people.

Presenting the proposal before lawmakers on Friday, Governor Fubara said the budget reflects his administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and prudent financial management despite the challenges facing the state.

According to the governor, the proposed budget of ₦1,854,248,734,475.76 represents a 24.49% increase over the adjusted 2025 budget, driven by anticipated growth in FAAC allocations, derivation revenue, and internally generated revenue.

He projected ₦487.61 billion from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), ₦936.05 billion from FAAC allocations, derivation funds, VAT, and exchange gains, while ₦382.48 billion is expected from capital receipts, including loans, grants, and asset sales.

Governor Fubara proposed ₦413.11 billion for recurrent expenditure and ₦1.405 trillion for capital projects, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accelerating development across the state.

The budget allocates ₦533.32 billion to Works and Infrastructure, ₦315 billion to Education, and ₦105.43 billion to Healthcare. Other allocations include ₦41.44 billion for the Rivers State House of Assembly, ₦30 billion for the Judiciary, ₦19.26 billion for Agriculture, ₦15 billion for Power, ₦8.5 billion for Chieftaincy and Community Development, ₦7.98 billion for Sports, ₦7 billion for Youth Development, ₦6.5 billion for Women Affairs, and ₦6.61 billion for Environment and Sustainable Development.

Fubara also announced a 50% increase in overhead allocations for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and assured workers and retirees that adequate provisions had been made to clear outstanding gratuities and death benefits.

He appealed to lawmakers to give the appropriation bill speedy consideration to ensure timely implementation.

Responding, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, assured the governor that the Assembly would expedite the budget’s consideration, describing it as a comprehensive proposal that addresses key sectors of the state’s economy.