Fubara Submits ₦1.85 Trillion Budget Proposal To Rivers Assembly

According to Ireporter Online, the presentation marked Governor Fubara’s first appearance before the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly since the political dispute that caused divisions within the legislature in 2023.

The governor presented the appropriation bill, titled the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” during plenary at the Assembly complex. Prior to his arrival, Speaker Martin Amaewhule appeared in the chamber in his official regalia, while a motion to receive the governor was moved by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, and seconded by the Minority Leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo.

Presenting the budget, Fubara said the proposal was designed to consolidate economic progress, expand infrastructure development, improve social investment and strengthen human capital across Rivers State.

The governor projected total revenue of ₦1.854 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year, representing a 24.49 per cent increase compared with the adjusted 2025 budget. He attributed the expected rise to improved earnings from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, derivation funds and internally generated revenue.

Out of the total budget estimate, ₦413.1 billion was earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion was allocated for capital projects, which represents the largest portion of the proposed spending plan.

A breakdown of the budget showed that infrastructure development received the highest allocation of ₦533.3 billion, while the education sector was allocated ₦315 billion. Health received ₦105.4 billion, the Rivers State House of Assembly was allocated ₦41.4 billion, judiciary received ₦30 billion, and agriculture was allocated ₦19.3 billion.

Governor Fubara also announced plans to increase overhead allocations for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by at least 50 per cent, while promising to clear outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants and families of deceased workers.

The governor said his administration had maintained financial stability through careful management of public resources, assuring residents that transparency, accountability and responsible spending would remain key priorities.

Fubara stated that every allocation would be carefully managed to create employment opportunities and improve the welfare of residents, adding that the budget was designed as a people-focused development strategy aimed at attracting investment and raising living standards across the state.

He urged lawmakers to give the proposed budget speedy consideration and approval, calling for continued cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government.

Receiving the budget document, Speaker Amaewhule assured the governor that the Assembly would thoroughly review the proposal and carry out its constitutional responsibilities in the interest of Rivers residents.

He noted that lawmakers were committed to supporting initiatives that would promote growth and development in the state, adding that all stakeholders must work together to ensure Rivers State continues to progress.

The appropriation bill subsequently passed its first reading, after which Governor Fubara exchanged pleasantries with members of the Assembly. The governor and lawmakers later posed for a group photograph, signaling renewed cooperation between the executive and legislative branches of government.