Fubara Presents ₦1.854tn 2026 'Budget of Resilience' To Rivers Assembly, Prioritises Infrastructure, Education

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing it as a "Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development" aimed at accelerating economic growth, strengthening infrastructure, improving human capital development, and expanding social investments across the state.

The presentation, made before the House led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, marks Governor Fubara's first budget appearance before the Assembly since the political crisis that split the legislature in 2023. It also reflects the renewed working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government following their recent reconciliation.

Addressing lawmakers during the presentation, Governor Fubara said that despite the political and administrative challenges experienced by the state, his administration had maintained the machinery of governance, sustained fiscal stability, and continued to execute critical projects in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security.

He stated that the proposed budget was developed through extensive public participation and is designed to build a more resilient, prosperous, and economically competitive Rivers State.

According to the governor, the total projected revenue for the 2026 fiscal year stands at ₦1,854,248,734,475.76, representing a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget.

He attributed the anticipated increase to improved revenue projections from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), derivation funds, internally generated revenue, grants, loans, and other capital receipts.

A breakdown of the revenue projections shows that Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is expected to contribute ₦487.61 billion, while allocations from FAAC, including derivation funds, Value Added Tax (VAT), and exchange gains, are projected at ₦936.05 billion. Capital receipts, including domestic loans, grants, and asset sales, are expected to generate ₦382.48 billion, with opening and closing balances contributing ₦48.11 billion.

Governor Fubara proposed ₦413.11 billion for recurrent expenditure, representing the cost of running government operations, personnel, pensions, and statutory obligations.

The recurrent expenditure includes ₦154.77 billion for salaries and personnel costs, ₦15.22 billion for new recruitments, ₦36.71 billion for overhead costs, ₦20 billion for gratuities, ₦7 billion for death benefits, ₦55.10 billion for monthly pensions, and allocations for loan servicing, insurance, and employee compensation.

The governor announced that his administration had proposed at least a 50 per cent increase in overhead allocations for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to improve their operational efficiency immediately after the budget is passed into law.

He also assured retirees that adequate provisions had been made to clear outstanding gratuities and death benefits inherited from previous administrations.

For capital expenditure, the governor proposed ₦1.405 trillion, representing the largest share of the budget and reflecting his administration's commitment to infrastructure and economic development.

The proposed capital allocation includes ₦533.32 billion for works and infrastructure, ₦315 billion for educational development, ₦105.43 billion for healthcare delivery, ₦41.44 billion for the Rivers State House of Assembly, ₦30 billion for the judiciary, ₦19.26 billion for agriculture, ₦15 billion for power projects, ₦8.5 billion for chieftaincy and community development, ₇.98 billion for sports, ₦7 billion for youth development, ₦6.5 billion for women affairs, and ₦6.61 billion for environmental sustainability.

Governor Fubara explained that the 2026 budget places strong emphasis on economic growth, human capital development, social investment, and the delivery of critical infrastructure across all parts of the state.

He said education received one of the highest allocations because his administration intends to transform the state's education system and improve learning outcomes.

The governor further assured residents that every kobo appropriated would be prudently managed to provide quality public services, attract investment, create employment opportunities, and improve the overall standard of living.

Describing the appropriation bill as a people-oriented development blueprint, Governor Fubara urged members of the House to rise above political differences and give the proposal speedy consideration and approval.

He acknowledged the delay in presenting the budget but expressed confidence that its implementation would be guided by accountability, transparency, fiscal discipline, and responsible management of public resources.

"The collective interests of our State and people are more important than any other consideration. Let us work together to ensure Rivers State continues to stand out as a bastion of good governance, accountability and sustainable development," the governor said.

The 2026 Appropriation Bill will now undergo legislative scrutiny by the Rivers State House of Assembly before its eventual passage into law.