Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Friday presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, marking his first appearance before the legislature since the political crisis that split the Assembly in 2023.

According to Punch, the presentation followed a motion by Majority Leader Major Jack, seconded by Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo, inviting the governor into the chamber after Speaker Martin Amaewhule took his seat.

Tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” the proposed budget is aimed at sustaining economic growth, improving infrastructure, strengthening social services and advancing human capital development across Rivers State.

Fubara said the ₦1.854 trillion proposal represents a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget. He attributed the projected revenue growth to improved allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, higher derivation earnings and increased internally generated revenue.

The governor proposed ₦413.1 billion for recurrent expenditure and ₦1.405 trillion for capital projects.

Capital spending 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

₦19.3 billion for agriculture

Fubara also announced plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies by at least 50 per cent to improve public service delivery.

He said his administration would also clear outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants as part of efforts to improve workers’ welfare.

The governor stated that prudent management of public resources had enabled his administration to maintain fiscal stability despite prevailing economic challenges.

“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.

Fubara described the appropriation bill as a development-driven budget designed to stimulate economic growth, attract investment, expand employment opportunities and improve residents’ quality of life.

He urged lawmakers to give the proposal speedy consideration and approval, saying, “Let us join hands to make sure Rivers State continues to stand out in good governance.”