Fubara Signs ₦1.84tn Rivers 2026 Budget Into Law, Hails New Era of Cooperation
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Iwunna Alex Ugochukwu
PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE — Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has signed the state’s 2026 Appropriation Bill of about ₦1.84 trillion into law, describing the development as a “breath of fresh air” and the beginning of a new phase of cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government.
The governor assented to the budget on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during a brief ceremony at the Executive Chambers of the Government House, Port Harcourt, shortly after the Rivers State House of Assembly passed the appropriation bill.
The development marks the conclusion of the state’s 2026 budget process, following the presentation of the governor’s original proposal of ₦1.854 trillion to the Assembly on July 10. The proposal was subsequently considered and adjusted by the lawmakers before its passage.
The budget, tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” is intended to provide the financial framework for the state’s programmes, projects and other government activities during the 2026 fiscal year.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Fubara expressed appreciation to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for their consideration and passage of the appropriation bill.
The governor also acknowledged the role played by former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, in the process that helped facilitate improved relations between the relevant stakeholders and paved the way for the budget’s passage and signing.
Fubara described the signing as an indication of a healthier relationship between the executive and legislature, expressing optimism that the renewed cooperation would translate into greater development and improved welfare for residents of the state.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to programmes and projects designed to improve the living conditions of Rivers people, while maintaining its focus on the interests of the state.
The governor’s signing of the appropriation bill follows a period of political tension between the executive and the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly. The presentation of the 2026 budget in July was significant because it represented Fubara’s first appearance before the Assembly since the political crisis that divided the legislature in 2023.
The Assembly subsequently subjected the proposal to legislative scrutiny and made adjustments to some provisions before approving the final appropriation.
Among the issues considered by the lawmakers was funding for Pamo University of Medical Sciences, a privately owned institution. The Assembly questioned the accountability surrounding previous allocations and resolved to review the provision, with part of the proposed funding redirected towards primary healthcare.
According to the figures presented during the Assembly’s consideration of the bill, the budget includes substantial allocations for economic and social development. Channels Television reported that the approved spending framework included about ₦1.4 trillion in capital expenditure, alongside allocations for agriculture, the economic sector, law and justice, and social services.
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, had earlier said the legislature carefully reviewed the governor’s proposal and made adjustments in the interest of accountability and effective use of public resources.
With the governor’s assent, the 2026 Appropriation Bill has now become the legal framework for Rivers State’s expenditure and development programmes for the fiscal year.
The signing is also expected to strengthen cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government, with both sides signalling their intention to place the development and welfare of Rivers residents above previous political disagreements.
