Governor Fubara Proposes N1.85 Trillion ‘Budget of Resilience’ for Rivers State 2026 Fiscal Year

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the State House of Assembly. The proposed expenditure, titled the Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development, is estimated at N1.85 trillion.

Governor Fubara explained that the 2026 spending plan represents a 24.49 percent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget. This growth is attributed to projected increases in internally generated revenue, derivation funds, and allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

The Governor’s revenue projections include N487.61 billion from internally generated revenue, N936.05 billion from FAAC allocations, VAT, and exchange gains, and N382.48 billion from capital receipts, including grants, loans, and asset sales.

Of the total budget, N1.405 trillion has been earmarked for capital projects, reflecting the administration’s focus on rapid statewide development, while N413.11 billion is allocated for recurrent expenditure.

Personnel costs are projected at N154.77 billion, with an additional N15.22 billion set aside for new recruitments. The budget also accounts for debt servicing, pensions, gratuities, and death benefits.

To enhance operational efficiency, Governor Fubara proposed a 50 percent increase in overhead expenditure for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), effective immediately upon the bill’s enactment.

The capital budget’s largest allocations are directed toward Works and Infrastructure (N533.32 billion), Education (N315 billion), and Healthcare (N105.43 billion). Other significant allocations include N41.44 billion for the State House of Assembly, N30 billion for the Judiciary, N19.26 billion for Agriculture, and N15 billion for Power.

Further allocations include 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.

The Governor emphasized that the budget is designed to sustain economic momentum, expand critical infrastructure, and elevate the living standards of residents. He noted that the plan builds upon previous achievements while addressing current state challenges.

Priorities within the budget include the completion of existing road projects, new infrastructure investments, enhanced healthcare and education services, and the creation of expanded economic opportunities for the populace.

Characterizing the proposal as a “people-centered” budget, Governor Fubara assured citizens that public funds would be managed judiciously to attract investment and foster inclusive development.

Addressing the delay in the budget’s presentation, Governor Fubara urged the House of Assembly to expedite the consideration and passage of the bill to ensure timely implementation.

Responding to the presentation, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Martin Amaewhule, acknowledged the delay but assured the Governor that the legislature would prioritize the bill’s review in the best interest of the people of Rivers State.

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