₦1.854trn Budget Aimed at Sustaining Economic Growth in Rivers State

Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has presented a ₦1.854 trillion budget for 2026, exactly 10 months after he was reinstated as the governor of the state. This is according to a statement released by Persecondnews, citing sources close to the governor. The budget, which has been named 'Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,' is a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget.

The budget is aimed at sustaining economic growth, expanding critical infrastructure, and improving the welfare of the people of Rivers State, Governor Fubara explained. He said the budget was designed to cater for the increasing needs of the state, including the completion of ongoing road projects, upgrading schools and hospitals, generating employment, and expanding economic opportunities.

According to Fubara, the budget allocates ₦413.11 billion to recurrent expenditure and ₦1.405 trillion to capital projects. Infrastructure is the top sector, receiving a sum of ₦533.32 billion, followed by education with ₦315 billion and healthcare with ₦105.43 billion. The budget also allocates funds to critical areas including agriculture, power, youth and sports development, women’s affairs, the judiciary, and the State House of Assembly.

Governor Fubara assured civil servants and retirees that adequate provisions had been made for the payment of outstanding gratuities, pensions, and death benefits. He appealed to the lawmakers to give the appropriation bill expeditious consideration, acknowledging the delayed presentation of the budget and expressing optimism that its early passage would facilitate effective implementation.

Responding, Speaker Martin Amaewhule assured the governor that the Assembly would give the appropriation bill prompt legislative attention. Amaewhule described the budget proposal as comprehensive and reaffirmed the commitment of the lawmakers to ensuring its timely passage in the overall interest of the people of Rivers State.

A Quick History of the State of Emergency in Rivers State

Rivers State has been under a state of emergency since March 18, 2025, when President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in the state. The decision was made following a severe political crisis and escalating tensions in the state. Former Chief of Naval Staff Ibok Ekwe Ibas served as the state’s sole administrator during this period until the emergency rule expired and full democratic governance was restored. Governor Fubara was officially reinstated on September 18, 2025.

₦1.854trn Budget: A Breakdown

  • ₦1.854 trillion: The total budget size for 2026, representing a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget.
  • ₦413.11 billion: The amount allocated to recurrent expenditure.
  • ₦1.405 trillion: The amount allocated to capital projects.
  • ₦533.32 billion: The amount allocated to infrastructure.
  • ₦315 billion: The amount allocated to education.
  • ₦105.43 billion: The amount allocated to healthcare.