Fubara Presents ₦1.854tn 2026 Budget to Amaewhule-Led Assembly After Reconciliation

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

The presentation, widely seen as a significant milestone in the state's political reconciliation, followed the recent resolution of the prolonged rift between the governor and lawmakers after nearly three years of parallel legislative sittings and rival budget presentations.

Proceedings began with Speaker Martin Amaewhule taking his seat in full ceremonial regalia ahead of the governor's arrival. A motion to receive Governor Fubara was moved by Majority Leader Major Jack and seconded by Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo before the governor entered the chamber to present the budget.

Tagged the "Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development," the proposed spending plan is designed to drive economic expansion, strengthen infrastructure, improve education and healthcare, and deepen social investments across the state.

Governor Fubara projected total revenue of ₦1.854 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year, representing a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget. He attributed the anticipated growth to higher allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), increased derivation revenue and improved internally generated revenue.

Of the proposed budget, ₦413.1 billion is allocated for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion is earmarked for capital projects.

Key capital allocations include ₦533.3 billion for works and projects ₦315 billion for education, ₦105.4 billion for healthcare, ₦41.4 billion for the Rivers State House of Assembly, ₦30 billion for the judiciary and ₦19.3 billion for agriculture.

The governor also announced plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by at least 50 per cent, while clearing outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants.

He said his administration had maintained fiscal discipline through prudent management of public resources and remained committed to accountability, transparency and responsible spending.

“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.

He urged lawmakers to give the proposal speedy consideration, describing it as a people-focused blueprint aimed at accelerating development, attracting investment, creating employment and improving residents' quality of life.

“Let us join hands to make sure Rivers State continues to stand out in good governance," the governor added before formally handing the budget estimates to the Speaker.

Responding, Speaker Amaewhule assured the governor that the Assembly would give the proposal thorough legislative consideration.

“Let me assure you on behalf of the members that we will give due consideration to your budget proposals," he said.

He stressed that the legislature remained committed to the state's development.

“Our state has to grow, and all hands have to be on deck for the growth of Rivers State. We are willing to do all that is needed as an Assembly so our people can smile again."

The Appropriation Bill subsequently passed its first reading.

In a symbolic display of renewed executive-legislative cooperation, Governor Fubara exchanged warm pleasantries with lawmakers after the presentation before being escorted out of the chamber by Speaker Amaewhule and members of the House for a group photograph.

The House later adjourned plenary until July 20

The budget presentation is widely regarded as a defining moment in Rivers State's evolving political landscape, reinforcing the recent reconciliation between the executive and legislature and signalling a new phase of cooperation after years of political division.