Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, describing the budget as a “breath of fresh air.”
He signed the budget on Thursday at the Executive Council Chambers in Government House, Port Harcourt.
Fubara said the budget would mark the beginning of greater development and stronger cooperation across Rivers State.
He reaffirmed that his administration would remain committed to the state’s growth while maintaining a cordial relationship with the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The governor thanked God for making the event possible and described it as the start of a healthier partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
Fubara also acknowledged the role of former Rivers State Governor and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in facilitating the process that led to the budget’s passage and signing.
Presenting the bill for assent, Majority Leader Major Jack described the appropriation as an ambitious budget designed to promote development.
He said lawmakers thoroughly scrutinised the estimates to ensure they would achieve the expected economic growth and public benefits.
Speaker Martin Amaewhule disclosed that the Assembly adjusted the proposal before approving it.
He explained that the lawmakers reduced the proposed ₦6 billion allocation to PAMO University of Medical Sciences after the institution failed to provide satisfactory explanations on previous funding and did not appear before the Assembly.
According to the Speaker, part of the reduced allocation was redirected to the State Primary Healthcare Development Board to strengthen healthcare delivery, adding that the decision reflected the Assembly’s oversight responsibility and commitment to transparency.
The “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” valued at ₦1.854 trillion, was passed earlier on Thursday after Fubara had presented the proposal in July as a 24.5 per cent increase over the revised 2025 budget.
