Fubara Presents 2026 Budget Of N1.8Trillion To Rivers Assembly

By Ayodele Oni  & Suleiman Anyalewechi

Following return of relative peace, Rivers state governor,  Siminalayi Fubara on Friday presented a proposed N1.854 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, with major allocations to infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic growth and human capital development.

The belligerent Legislative branch, through its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, had, before now, questioned Governor Fubara’s decision to continue to spend public funds without an Appropriation Act.

The budget, christened “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” is aimed at building a more resilient, prosperous and inclusive economy while sustaining investments in critical sectors of the state’s economy.

Presenting the proposal before lawmakers, Fubara said the estimated expenditure of N1,854,248,734,475.76 represents a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget, driven by expected improvements in Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations, derivation revenue and internally generated revenue.

The governor explained that his administration has maintained fiscal stability despite political and economic challenges through prudent management of public resources.

“Our State has remained fiscally stable, thanks to our commitment to fiscal responsibility, prudence and accountability in managing public funds.

“We do not tolerate mismanagement at any level and have wisely utilised public funds to provide services, attract investment, create jobs and expand socio-economic opportunities for our people,” he said.

According to Fubara, the projected revenue profile comprises N487.61 billion from internally generated revenue, N936.05 billion from FAAC allocations, including derivation funds, VAT and exchange gains, N48.11 billion from opening and closing balances, and N382.48 billion from capital receipts, including domestic loans, grants and asset sales.

The governor proposed N413.11 billion for recurrent expenditure and N1.405 trillion for capital projects, underscoring his administration’s commitment to development-focused spending.