Gov. Fubara Presents N1.854 Trillion 2026 Budget to Rivers Assembly, Prioritises Infrastructure, Education and Healthcare
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday presented a proposed N1.854 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly, with infrastructure, education, healthcare and improved public service delivery emerging as the key priorities, PulseNets learnt.
Tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” the proposed 2026 budget is aimed at sustaining economic growth, expanding critical infrastructure and improving the welfare of Rivers residents. Governor Fubara said the fiscal plan builds on the gains recorded by his administration despite the challenges confronting the state.
Presenting the budget estimates before lawmakers, the governor said the 2026 Appropriation Bill demonstrates his administration’s commitment to prudent financial management and fiscal discipline.
According to the governor, the proposed budget of N1,854,248,734,475.76 represents a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget, driven by expected growth in Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations, derivation revenue and internally generated revenue.
Governor Fubara explained that the state expects to generate N487.61 billion from internally generated revenue, while N936.05 billion is projected from FAAC allocations, derivation funds, Value Added Tax (VAT) and exchange gains. He added that another N382.48 billion is expected from capital receipts, including loans, grants and proceeds from asset sales.
The governor proposed N413.11 billion for recurrent expenditure and N1.405 trillion for capital projects, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to accelerate infrastructure development and economic growth across Rivers State.
He disclosed that N154.77 billion had been allocated for personnel costs, while N15.22 billion was set aside to accommodate new recruitments. The budget also makes provisions for pensions, gratuities, death benefits and debt servicing.
Governor Fubara further proposed a 50 per cent increase in overhead allocations for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to strengthen their operational efficiency immediately after the budget receives legislative approval.
The governor also assured civil servants and retirees that adequate funding had been provided to settle outstanding gratuities and death benefits inherited from previous administrations.
Under the capital expenditure plan, the Works and Infrastructure sector received the highest allocation of N533.32 billion, followed by Education with N315 billion and Healthcare with N105.43 billion.
Other notable allocations include N41.44 billion for the Rivers State House of Assembly, N30 billion for the Judiciary, N19.26 billion for Agriculture, N15 billion for Power, N8.5 billion for Chieftaincy and Community Development, N7.98 billion for Sports, N7 billion for Youth Development, N6.5 billion for Women Affairs and N6.61 billion for Environment and Sustainable Development, PulseNets reports.
Governor Fubara stated that the proposed budget gives priority to the completion of ongoing road projects, new infrastructure investments, improved education and healthcare services, job creation and expanded economic opportunities for residents.
Describing the proposal as a people-focused budget, he assured Rivers people that public resources would be prudently managed to improve service delivery, attract investment and drive inclusive economic development.
The governor acknowledged the delay in presenting the budget and appealed to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to give the appropriation bill speedy consideration and passage to ensure timely implementation.
Responding after the presentation, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, acknowledged that the 2026 Appropriation Bill was presented later than expected but assured the governor that lawmakers would fast-track legislative consideration in the interest of Rivers people.
“The House will expedite consideration of the 2026 Appropriation Bill in the interest of the people of Rivers State,” Amaewhule said.
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The Speaker also commended Governor Fubara for presenting what he described as a comprehensive budget proposal that adequately addresses all sectors of the state’s economy.
“The budget adequately addresses all sectors of the state’s economy and deserves prompt legislative attention. Members of the Assembly will work diligently to ensure its speedy passage to facilitate timely implementation,” he added.
