Rivers State Governor Fubara signs N1.85tn 2026 budget

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has signed the N1.85 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, marking the first budget he has assented to since assuming office in 2023. Titled the ‘Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development’, the plan allocates approximately N1.4 trillion to capital expenditure and N440 billion to recurrent expenditure.

The signing follows a period of intense political friction between the state executive and the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule. Fubara described the budget's passage as a ‘breath of fresh air’ and a sign of a new era of cooperation. He specifically acknowledged the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in facilitating the process.

During the legislative review, the House made adjustments to the proposal, including expunging N6 billion previously earmarked for PAMO University of Medical Sciences and Wigwe University pending investigations into fund usage. These funds were redirected toward the State Primary Healthcare Development Board. Analysts noted that the late approval, occurring in September, comes after significant political delays that some experts claim have cost the state billions in potential public-sector investments.