Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has signed the state’s 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, paving the way for the implementation of a N1.85tn spending plan for the 2026 fiscal year.
The budget, titled “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” provides a total expenditure framework of N1.85tn, with a major emphasis on capital projects and economic development.
Fubara had presented the 2026 budget proposal to the Rivers State House of Assembly in July, with projected revenue put at N1.854tn.
Under the approved spending plan, N1.405tn is earmarked for capital expenditure, representing the largest component of the budget.
Recurrent expenditure accounts for N413.11bn, covering personnel costs, pensions, gratuities, debt obligations, welfare and other government operating expenses.
The capital expenditure is distributed across four broad sectors, with N625.85bn allocated to the economic sector, N435.41bn to social development, N278.75bn to administration and N65.26bn to law and justice.
The state government had said the 2026 fiscal plan was designed to consolidate ongoing infrastructure projects while strengthening human capital development, security and other areas considered critical to the state’s economic growth.
Revenue projections include N487.61bn from internally generated revenue, N936.05bn from FAAC and related receipts, N48.11bn from opening and closing balances, and N382.48bn from capital receipts, including loans, grants and asset sales.
The signing brings to a close the legislative process for the state’s 2026 budget and formally authorises the executive to begin implementing the approved programmes and projects.
The passage of the budget comes against the backdrop of Rivers State’s prolonged political tensions, which had previously raised concerns about the relationship between the executive and legislative arms.
However, Fubara had dismissed reports of a fresh disagreement with lawmakers over the budget, insisting that the appropriation bill was progressing through the normal legislative process.
The governor’s administration is expected to focus on the execution of the capital component of the budget, particularly projects aimed at stimulating economic activity and improving social infrastructure across the state.
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