Rivers State 2026 budget legislative process

The Rivers State 2026 Appropriation Bill, titled the ‘Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development’, initially faced delays following its July 10 presentation to the House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule. Reports indicated a political impasse between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and lawmakers, with allegations from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike suggesting the governor had failed to meet commitments regarding entitlements and constituency projects. The state government denied a rift, stating the budget was merely undergoing normal legislative processes.

By September, Governor Fubara signed the N1.85 trillion budget into law, marking the first budget he has assented to since assuming office in 2023. The final plan allocates approximately N1.4 trillion to capital expenditure and N440 billion to recurrent expenditure. During the legislative review, the House of Assembly expunged 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.

Upon signing, the governor described the event as ‘a breath of fresh air’ and noted the role of Nyesom Wike in facilitating the process. Analysts observed that the late approval in September followed significant political delays which some experts claim have cost the state billions in potential public-sector investments.