The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday presented a proposed N1.854 trillion 2026 budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly, pledging prudent management of public resources and accelerated development across key sectors.
The appropriation bill, christened the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” totals N1,854,248,734,475.76 and is designed to consolidate ongoing development initiatives while positioning the state for sustained economic expansion.
Presenting the estimates before lawmakers in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara said the budget emerged from extensive consultations with stakeholders and reflects the aspirations of Rivers people for a more resilient, prosperous and economically vibrant state.
He explained that the proposal aligns with the realities of the state’s fiscal environment while focusing on strengthening security, improving living standards, promoting sustainable development and expanding opportunities for residents across the state.
A significant portion of the proposed budget has been earmarked for capital projects, underlining the administration’s commitment to infrastructure-led development.
According to the governor, N1.405 trillion has been allocated for capital expenditure, representing the bulk of the budget, while N413.1 billion is proposed for recurrent expenditure to fund the day-to-day operations of government.
Fubara said the state’s projected operating revenue for 2026 is expected to rise by 24.49 per cent above the adjusted 2025 estimates, driven by anticipated improvements in allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), derivation revenues and internally generated revenue as Nigeria’s economic outlook continues to improve.
He expressed optimism that the projected revenue growth would provide the financial capacity needed to implement key development programmes without compromising fiscal discipline.
The governor identified economic growth, human capital development, socio-economic infrastructure and social investment as the four major priorities of the 2026 fiscal plan.
He noted that despite political and administrative challenges experienced by his government, Rivers State had continued to record progress in critical sectors, particularly road construction, education, healthcare and security.
According to him, governance has remained uninterrupted while public institutions have continued to function effectively.
Fubara also highlighted his administration’s commitment to financial discipline, insisting that prudent management of public resources has helped the state maintain fiscal stability.
“Most significantly, 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 offer socio-economic opportunities for our people,” the governor told lawmakers.
The budget proposal allocates the largest share of funding to the Works and Infrastructure sector, which is expected to receive N533.32 billion to finance new road projects, complete ongoing construction works and maintain existing transport infrastructure across the state.
Education follows as the second-largest allocation with N315 billion, reflecting the administration’s plan to strengthen schools, improve learning facilities and reposition the state’s education system for better outcomes.
The healthcare sector is expected to receive N105.43 billion to improve healthcare delivery, while N19.26 billion has been allocated to agriculture to boost food production and rural development.
Other notable allocations include:
Power: N15 billion
Sports Development: N7.98 billion
Youth Development: N7 billion
Rivers State House of Assembly: N41.44 billion
Judiciary: N30 billion
Women Affairs: N6.5 billion
Chieftaincy and Community Development: N8.5 billion
Environment and Sustainable Development: N6.61 billion
Governor Fubara described the appropriation bill as more than a financial document, saying it represents a comprehensive development blueprint designed to improve the welfare of Rivers residents.
He said the budget places infrastructure development at its core while making substantial investments in education to transform the future of young people in the state.
According to him, every local government area and community stands to benefit from the planned projects and programmes.
“The 2026 budget is not just about allocating funds to specific socio-economic sectors. Instead, it is a people-centred budget that acts as a blueprint for progress and service delivery, outlining a vision for a better future.
“It will bring tangible benefits to every ward, local government area and resident.
“As a government, we remain committed to getting the essentials right and building a state where all residents, regardless of background, receive the services they deserve.
“We will ensure every kobo is spent wisely to deliver services, attract investment, create jobs and provide opportunities for our people to flourish,” he said.
The governor called on members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to consider and approve the budget without regard to political differences, stressing that development should remain a collective responsibility.
He urged lawmakers to support the appropriation bill in the interest of accelerating development, rebuilding critical infrastructure and recovering lost ground across various sectors of the state’s economy.
