Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Thursday, signed the 2026 State Appropriation Bill into Law, describing it as “a breath of fresh air” and the beginning of a new chapter of unity and progress for the state.
Earlier, the State House of Assembly had passed the state’s 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1.85 trillion, christened the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” into law following extensive committee reviews, deliberations and legislative scrutiny.
At a brief ceremony held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to God, stakeholders, and the State House of Assembly for the successful passage of the budget.
“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,” he said.
Governor Fubara commended the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, particularly for their diligence and speed in handling the budget.
“I thank members of the State House of Assembly for a wonderful job at this very critical time of our life,” he said.
Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the “Rivers First” mantra, and pledged that the 2026 budget will be implemented with the people’s welfare as the central focus.
“I want to assure you that our intention will still remain the progress and development of our dear state,” he said.
Fubara specially acknowledged the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in facilitating the process that led to the passage of the bill and its eventual signing into law.
“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.”
Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Major Jack, who had earlier presented the bill to the Governor for his assent, said the lawmakers passed the budget with the best of intentions, believing that it will be implemented accordingly for the benefit of the people of Rivers State.
In a remark shortly after the bill was signed, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Martin Amaewhule, commended Governor Fubara for the various provisions made in the budget, describing them as indications that the Fubara administration is prepared to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers.
“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.
Governor Fubara had a few months ago presented a budget of ₦1,854,248,734,475.76, representing approximately ₦1.85 trillion to the house.
The 2026 appropriation is 24.5% higher than the revised 2025 financial estimates.
