Fubara Rivers budget proposal of ₦1.85tn focuses on infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic growth as the governor addresses lawmakers
Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara presented the ₦1.854 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly in Port Harcourt on Friday, July 10, 2026, marking his first appearance before the Martin Amaewhule-led legislature since the Assembly crisis that emerged in 2023.
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The proposed Fubara Rivers budget, titled “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” is designed to strengthen infrastructure, improve public services and support human capital development across the state.
The presentation followed an invitation from the Assembly after Majority Leader Major Jack moved a motion, which was seconded by Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo, allowing the governor to address lawmakers.
The ₦1.854 trillion proposal represents a 24.49 per cent increase compared with the adjusted 2025 budget, with Fubara attributing the rise to projected improvements in statutory allocations, derivation revenue and internally generated revenue.
According to the governor, ₦413.1 billion has been set aside for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion is allocated for capital projects aimed at driving development across key sectors.
Infrastructure received the largest share of the capital allocation, with ₦533.3 billion earmarked for works and related projects. Education was allocated ₦315 billion, while healthcare received ₦105.4 billion.
Other major allocations include ₦41.4 billion for the Rivers State House of Assembly, ₦30 billion for the judiciary and ₦19.3 billion for agriculture.
Fubara also announced plans to increase overhead funding for Ministries, Departments and Agencies by at least 50 per cent to improve efficiency and strengthen government services.
The governor said his administration would address outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants, describing workers’ welfare as a key part of the government’s development agenda.
“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,” Fubara said.
The budget presentation comes amid efforts to restore political stability in Rivers State following months of tension between the executive and legislative arms of government.
The disagreement, which began in 2023, led to divisions within the Assembly, with lawmakers splitting into opposing groups before the Amaewhule-led faction emerged as the recognised legislative body.
Fubara said prudent financial management had helped the state maintain stability despite economic pressures, adding that the 2026 proposal would support investment, employment opportunities and improved living standards.
The governor urged lawmakers to give the bill urgent consideration and approval, saying collaboration between the executive and legislature would be critical to achieving the state’s development goals.
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“Let us join hands to make sure Rivers State continues to stand out in good governance,” Fubara said before formally submitting the budget document to Speaker Amaewhule.
