Fubara Presents ₦1.854 Trillion 2026 Budget, Prioritises Infrastructure, Education, Healthcare and Economic Growth

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion 2026 Rivers Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly, outlining an ambitious fiscal plan aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, strengthening education and healthcare, expanding public service delivery, and sustaining economic growth across the state. Tagged "Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development," the proposal also marks Governor Fubara's first budget presentation before the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly since the political crisis that divided the legislature in 2023, signalling a significant step toward institutional cooperation.

Presenting the appropriation bill before lawmakers, Governor Fubara said the proposed budget is designed to consolidate his administration's development agenda by expanding critical infrastructure, improving human capital development, creating jobs and enhancing the welfare of Rivers people. The governor explained that the proposed ₦1,854,248,734,475.76 budget represents a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget, reflecting anticipated improvements in revenue from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), derivation funds and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

According to the governor, the state expects to generate ₦487.61 billion from internally generated revenue, ₦936.05 billion from FAAC allocations, derivation funds, Value Added Tax (VAT) and exchange gains, while ₦382.48 billion is projected from capital receipts, including loans, grants and asset sales. The expenditure framework allocates ₦413.11 billion for recurrent expenditure and ₦1.405 trillion for capital projects, highlighting the administration's continued emphasis on infrastructure-led development.

Governor Fubara disclosed that ₦154.77 billion has been earmarked for personnel costs, while ₦15.22 billion is reserved for new recruitment into the public service. He added that adequate provisions have also been made for pensions, gratuities, death benefits and debt servicing. To strengthen government institutions, the governor proposed a 50 per cent increase in overhead allocations for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), noting that the measure would improve operational efficiency immediately after the budget becomes law.

Sectoral allocations place Works and Infrastructure at the top with ₦533.32 billion, followed by Education with ₦315 billion and Healthcare with ₦105.43 billion. 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, ₦6.61 billion for Environment and Sustainable Development, and ₦6.5 billion for Women Affairs.

Governor Fubara said the budget will prioritise the completion of ongoing road projects, new infrastructure investments, improved education and healthcare services, expanded economic opportunities and enhanced social investments across Rivers State. He further assured workers and retirees that the government has made adequate provisions to clear outstanding gratuities and death benefits inherited from previous administrations. The governor acknowledged the delayed presentation of the appropriation bill and appealed to lawmakers for speedy consideration to ensure timely implementation.

Responding on behalf of the Assembly, Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule assured the governor that legislators would expedite the budget's consideration in the interest of Rivers people. He described the proposal as comprehensive, noting that it adequately addresses key sectors of the state's economy.

"According to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the "Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development" is designed to sustain economic growth, expand critical infrastructure and improve the welfare of Rivers people.

According to Governor Fubara, the proposed budget reflects his administration's commitment to prudent financial management, transparency and fiscal responsibility.

According to Governor Fubara, adequate provisions have been made to settle outstanding gratuities and death benefits while strengthening the operational capacity of Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

According to Speaker Martin Amaewhule, the House of Assembly will give the appropriation bill speedy legislative consideration, describing it as a comprehensive proposal that addresses all sectors of the state's economy".

The 2026 budget outlines Rivers State's development priorities for the coming fiscal year, with substantial investments planned for infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and public institutions. Beyond the financial proposals, the presentation also reflects renewed executive-legislative engagement following an extended period of political disagreement, which could support smoother governance and budget implementation.

If approved and effectively implemented, the budget could accelerate infrastructure delivery, improve access to public services, create employment opportunities, strengthen economic activity and enhance social welfare across Rivers State. Residents, businesses and investors will also be watching how efficiently the proposed allocations translate into tangible projects and measurable outcomes.

The presentation marks Governor Fubara's first budget appearance before the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly since the political crisis that split the legislature in 2023. Following recent reconciliation efforts between the executive and lawmakers, the budget presentation is widely seen as an indication of improved institutional cooperation. The proposed 2026 budget builds on the state's ongoing efforts to expand internally generated revenue, improve fiscal management and drive infrastructure-led economic growth.

ℙℝ𝕆𝔾ℝ𝔼𝕊𝕊 𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎𝕊 𝕀ℕ𝕊𝕀𝔾ℍ𝕋𝕊

The proposed ₦1.854 trillion budget demonstrates Rivers State's intention to maintain an aggressive development agenda through sustained investment in infrastructure and human capital. While the increased capital allocation reflects a strong commitment to long-term growth, the success of the budget will ultimately depend on timely legislative approval, efficient implementation, transparent financial management and measurable project delivery.

The renewed cooperation between the executive and legislature also presents an opportunity to strengthen governance, reduce political uncertainty and create a more stable environment for investment and economic development. As implementation progresses, stakeholders will be watching whether the proposed allocations translate into improved public services, completed infrastructure projects and broader economic benefits for Rivers residents.