Governor Siminalayi Fubara has signed the N1.84tn Rivers State 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, following its passage by the Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday.
The signing brings to a close the legislative process that began when Fubara presented the budget proposal to the Assembly on July 10, 2026.
The bill was approved after lawmakers considered recommendations from the House Committee on Appropriations and introduced several adjustments before its final passage.
The approved budget is expected to be financed through multiple revenue sources.
The breakdown presented to the House includes N487.6bn from Internally Generated Revenue, N936.052bn from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) receipts, and N48bn in opening and closing balances.
The state also plans to raise N50bn through internal borrowing, while another N25bn is expected from proceeds of asset sales.
A total of N1.4tn was recommended for capital expenditure under the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
Sectoral provisions include N262bn for agriculture, N625.8bn for the economic sector, N65bn for law and justice, and N435.4bn for the social sector.
The committee also proposed N1.4bn for the Primary Health Management Board to reconstruct its facility on Accra Street.
One of the major issues during the budget review was the proposed allocation to Pamo University of Medical Sciences, a private university founded by former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili.
The original proposal allocated N6bn to the institution, prompting lawmakers to question whether the amount was justified and how previous allocations had been utilised.
The matter became more contentious after the Commissioner for Education wrote to the Assembly requesting an increase in the provision from N6bn to N8bn, arguing that the original allocation was insufficient.
Lawmakers expressed concern about the level of accountability surrounding earlier funds released to the institution.
They also compared the proposed allocation with the N6.1bn budgetary provision for Rivers State University, questioning the basis for committing a similar amount to a privately owned university.
Following the debate, the committee recommended that no additional funds should be released to Pamo University until satisfactory accountability measures were established.
The proposed N6bn allocation was subsequently stepped down pending further investigation, while other recommendations were incorporated into the final budget approved by the House.
Shortly after the Assembly passed the bill, Governor Fubara signed it into law at a brief ceremony at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The governor described the development as “a breath of fresh air”, saying it represented a fresh beginning for unity and progress in Rivers State.
Fubara thanked God, members of the State House of Assembly and other stakeholders for contributing to the completion of the budget process.
He also praised the lawmakers for what he described as their diligence and prompt handling of the appropriation bill at an important period in the state’s affairs.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the “Rivers First” agenda, promising that implementation of the 2026 budget would focus on the welfare, development and progress of residents.
Fubara specifically acknowledged the contribution of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he credited with facilitating the meeting and process that culminated in the passage and signing of the budget.
The governor also thanked his family for their support, stressing that effective governance requires collective responsibility.
He pledged to maintain a cooperative relationship with the various arms of government and other stakeholders in the state.
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The Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Major Jack, formally presented the appropriation bill to Fubara for his assent.
Jack said lawmakers passed the budget in the best interests of Rivers residents and expressed confidence that its implementation would promote economic growth and development across the state.
He said the Assembly expected the appropriation to deliver the desired improvements in the lives of the people.
The Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, also commended the provisions contained in the budget.
Amaewhule said the lawmakers’ assessment of the appropriation showed that the Fubara administration was prepared to advance development and ensure that the benefits of democracy reached the people of Rivers State.
The signing ceremony was attended by members of the Rivers State Executive Council, principal officers of the House of Assembly and other government officials.
