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Rivers: Fubara finally signs N1.84tn 2026 budget, calls it ‘breath of fresh air’
Rivers State governor, Siminalaye Fubara has finally signed the long-awaited 2026 appropriation bill into law, describing it as “a breath of fresh air” and the beginning of unity and progress for the state.
The N1.84tn budget, christened “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development”, was earlier passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday.
The signing took place in a brief ceremony held at the state government house in Port Harcourt.
“First of all, we want to thank the Almighty God for making this day a reality. I strongly believe that it is a breath of fresh air and a healthy relationship moving forward.
“I thank members of the State House of Assembly for a wonderful job at this very critical time of our life,” Fubara said.
He noted that the state and its people remained his administration’s priority in the execution of the budget.
“I want to assure you that our intention will still remain the progress and development of our dear state,” he said.
The governor acknowledged the role of the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, in facilitating the bill’s passage, while also appreciating the various arms of government in the state.
“Let me also thank our leader, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike for facilitating this meeting and this process that we are all signing into.
“Let me thank everyone for this moment and assure you of our most cordial and cooperative relationship going forward,” he said.
Majority leader of the House, Major Jack, who presented the bill to the governor for assent, said the lawmaker believed the budget would be implemented for the benefit the state.
“It is the expectation of the Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly that this budget will usher in the desired growth and development of the state.
“It is therefore with a sense of responsibility that I respectfully present the Rivers State Appropriation Bill No. 1 2026 to the Governor of Rivers State for his assent,” Jack said.
In his address, speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule commended the governor for the various provisions made in the budget.
“We took time to look at the budget and from what we saw, we want to tell you that it shows that you are willing to move forward and ensure that this democracy is actually what will get to Rivers people,” Amaewhule said.
He noted that the budget figure was not passed exactly as presented by the governor, as the lawmakers reviewed downward the proposed N6bn allocation to PAMO university of medical sciences, with part of the funds reassigned to the state primary healthcare board.
He said the Assembly’s action was part of its oversight responsibility to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.
