Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has assented to the state’s ₦1.84 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill, describing the budget as a “breath of fresh air” and a new beginning for the state.
Fubara signed the budget on Thursday at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt, after the Rivers State House of Assembly passed it.
The governor expressed optimism that implementing the budget would usher in a new phase of development and cooperation in Rivers State.
He also assured the lawmakers of his administration’s commitment to maintaining a cordial relationship with the legislature, stressing that the ultimate objective remained the progress and development of the state.
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Fubara described the signing as the beginning of a healthier relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government, while thanking God for making the occasion possible.
He also acknowledged the role played by former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in facilitating discussions that contributed to the passage and signing of the budget.
Earlier, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Major Jack, described the appropriation bill as an ambitious budget, saying lawmakers had subjected the proposal to thorough scrutiny to ensure it would promote growth and development.
The Assembly Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, disclosed that the final budget differed from the proposal initially presented by the governor.
One of the major adjustments involved the ₦6 billion earmarked for PAMO University of Medical Sciences, a private institution where Rivers indigenes have benefited from government scholarships.
The lawmakers questioned the allocation and raised concerns about accountability over previous funds released to the university. They subsequently stepped down the allocation pending further investigation and satisfactory accountability measures.
The approved ₦1.84 trillion budget includes ₦1.4 trillion in capital expenditure. Sectoral allocations include ₦262 billion for agriculture, ₦625.8 billion for the economic sector, ₦65 billion for law and justice, and ₦435.4 billion for the social sector.
The budget is expected to be financed through ₦487.6 billion in internally generated revenue, ₦936.052 billion in Federation Account Allocation Committee receipts, ₦50 billion in proposed internal loans, ₦25 billion from asset sales, and ₦48 billion in opening and closing balances.
