Governor Siminalayi Fubara Signs N1.85 Trillion Rivers State Budget

Governor Siminalayi Fubara signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law on Thursday during a ceremony at the Government House in Port Harcourt. Titled the Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development, the legislation allocates approximately N1.854 trillion, marking a 24.5% increase over the revised 2025 estimates.

The budget prioritizes capital expenditure, with N1.405 trillion earmarked for infrastructure and development, while N413.1 billion is designated for recurrent expenditure. Major sectoral allocations include N533.32 billion for works and infrastructure, N315 billion for education, and N105.43 billion for healthcare. The Rivers State House of Assembly passed the bill after making critical adjustments, including the removal of a proposed N6 billion allocation to the privately owned Pamo University of Medical Sciences due to concerns over accountability and transparency.

Fubara described the budget as a breath of fresh air and a new chapter of unity, specifically crediting Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike for facilitating the process. Speaker Martin Amaewhule and Majority Leader Major Jack praised the budget's potential to deliver the dividends of democracy and stimulate economic activity across the state.