Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has signed the state’s N1.84 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, nearly two months after presenting the budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The State House of Assembly passed the bill during plenary on Thursday following deliberations and recommendations by its Committee on Appropriations.
Fubara had presented the appropriation bill to the lawmakers on July 10, 2026, for consideration and approval.
Under the approved budget, the state projects funding from Internally Generated Revenue of N487.6 billion, Federation Account Allocation Committee receipts of N936.052 billion, an opening and closing balance of N48 billion, proposed internal loans of N50 billion and N25 billion expected from the sale of government assets.
The budget provides N262 billion for agriculture, N625.8 billion for the economic sector, N65 billion for law and justice, and N435.4 billion for the social sector.
The Assembly also approved total capital expenditure of N1.4 trillion as part of the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
One of the major issues that generated debate during the budget consideration was the N6 billion initially allocated to Pamo University of Medical Sciences, a private institution founded by former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili.
Lawmakers questioned the size of the allocation and sought clarification on how the funds would be utilised, particularly in the absence of adequate accountability regarding previous allocations.
The issue became more contentious after the Commissioner for Education requested that the allocation be increased from N6 billion to N8 billion, arguing that the initial provision was insufficient.
Members also compared the allocation with the N6.1 billion budgeted for Rivers State University, questioning the justification for allocating a similar amount to a privately owned institution.
Following the deliberations, the committee recommended that no additional funds be released to Pamo University until satisfactory accountability measures were provided. The proposed N6 billion allocation was subsequently stepped down pending further investigation.
After incorporating the recommended adjustments, the House passed the N1.84 trillion budget into law.
Shortly after the passage, Fubara assented to the bill at a brief ceremony held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The governor described the development as “a breath of fresh air” and a new chapter of unity and progress for Rivers State.
He expressed appreciation to the State House of Assembly and other stakeholders for their roles in the process, while pledging that his administration would implement the budget with the welfare and development of Rivers residents as a priority.
Fubara also reaffirmed his commitment to the administration’s “Rivers First” agenda and promised to maintain a cordial working relationship with the legislature and other arms of government.
The governor specifically acknowledged the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in facilitating the process that led to the resolution surrounding the budget.
Meanwhile, the Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Major Jack, who presented the bill to the governor for assent, said lawmakers passed it with the expectation that it would accelerate growth and development across the state.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, also commended the provisions of the budget, saying they demonstrated the government’s commitment to delivering democratic dividends to the people of Rivers State.
The signing ceremony was attended by members of the State Executive Council, principal officers of the State House of Assembly and other government officials.
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