Fubara Presents N1.854tn 2026 Budget to Rivers Assembly, Signals Return of Legislative Cooperation

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria  Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has presented a N1.854 trillion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the Rivers State House of Assembly, marking his first appearance before the Speaker Martin Amaewhule led legislature since the political crisis that split the Assembly in 2023.

Tagged the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” the proposal allocates N1.405 trillion for capital expenditure and N413.1 billion for recurrent spending, reflecting the administration’s commitment to infrastructure expansion, human capital development, and economic growth.

The presentation is regarded as more than a fiscal exercise, as it signals renewed cooperation between the executive and legislative arms after nearly three years of political divisions that led to parallel legislative activities and slowed key governance processes. The move is expected to strengthen institutional stability and provide a unified framework for policy implementation in one of Nigeria’s largest oil-producing states.

The proposed budget earmarks N533.32 billion for roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects, N315 billion for education, N105.43 billion for healthcare, and N625.85 billion for economic development programmes, including agriculture, youth empowerment, and energy initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and creating jobs.

Governor Fubara told lawmakers that the budget is built on realistic revenue projections and prudent fiscal management, adding that the administration intends to sustain development while maintaining financial discipline. According to him, the budget will be financed through N936.05 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), N487.61 billion in internally generated revenue, and N382.48 billion from capital receipts, development grants, and approved financing.

The proposal also makes provision for the welfare of public servants and retirees, with N154.77 billion allocated for personnel costs, N55.1 billion for pension payments, and N20 billion set aside to clear outstanding gratuities owed to retired civil servants.

The 2026 Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development represents a 24.49 percent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget. It will now undergo legislative scrutiny by the Rivers State House of Assembly before lawmakers consider its passage into law.

Political observers say the budget presentation marks a new chapter in Rivers State governance, with the renewed engagement between the executive and legislature expected to improve policy implementation, accelerate development projects, and boost investor confidence in the state’s economy.