Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, with a plan to increase overhead costs by at least 50 percent.

The presentation, which took place during plenary on Friday, marked Governor Fubara’s first appearance before the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly since the political crisis that divided the legislature in 2023.

The appropriation bill, titled “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” was formally laid before lawmakers at the Assembly complex. 

Governor Fubara stated that the proposed budget is designed to consolidate economic growth, strengthen infrastructure, expand social investments, and enhance human capital development across the state.

He projected total revenue of ₦1.854 trillion, representing a 24.49 percent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget. 

According to him, the anticipated growth is driven by improved inflows from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), derivation funds and internally generated revenue.

A breakdown of the proposal shows that ₦413.1 billion is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion is allocated for capital projects, underscoring the administration’s focus on infrastructure and development.

The works and infrastructure sector received the largest allocation of ₦533.3 billion, followed by education with ₦315 billion. The health sector is allocated ₦105.4 billion, while ₦41.4 billion is proposed for the State House of Assembly. The judiciary is to receive ₦30 billion and agriculture is allocated ₦19.3 billion.

Notably, the governor announced a minimum 50 percent increase in overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). He also pledged to clear outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants and families of deceased workers.

Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability, assuring residents that public funds would be judiciously utilized.

“We will ensure every kobo is spent wisely to create jobs for our people. The collective interests of our people remain our top priority,” he said.

Describing the budget as a people-oriented development plan, the governor emphasized its role in attracting investment, generating employment and improving living standards.

He urged lawmakers to expedite the consideration and passage of the bill, calling for collective efforts to sustain good governance in the state.

In his response, Speaker Amaewhule assured that the Assembly would fulfill its constitutional responsibility in the interest of the state’s development.

“Our state has to grow, and all hands must be on deck. We are committed to doing all that is necessary to ensure our people can smile again,” he stated.

The appropriation bill has since passed its first reading.