Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara signed the state’s ₦1.85 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law Thursday, calling the newly passed budget a “breath of fresh air” for the state's governance and legislative relations.
The signing ceremony took place at the Executive Council Chambers in Government House, Port Harcourt. Speaking shortly after signing the document, Fubara expressed strong optimism that the fiscal plan would mark the beginning of a renewed era of development, unity, and seamless executive-legislative cooperation in Rivers State.
“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,” Fubara said, offering assurances to the Rivers State House of Assembly that his administration remains dedicated to maintaining a cordial and collaborative working relationship.
Fubara also offered explicit recognition to his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, thanking him for facilitating the reconciliatory dialogue and political progress that paved the way for the budget’s passage.
Presenting the document for assent, Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly Major Jack described the bill as an ambitious roadmap crafted to meet the socio-economic needs of residents. Jack noted that lawmakers subjected the budget proposals to rigorous scrutiny with the singular objective of delivering sustainable growth across the state.
However, the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, disclosed that the budget was not approved exactly as initially submitted. Lawmakers opted to trim a proposed ₦6 billion allocation intended for PAMO University of Medical Sciences—a private institution where state-sponsored indigenous students receive medical training.
Amaewhule explained that the reduction was made after representatives from the university failed to appear before the Assembly or provide satisfactory accountings of previously disbursed public funds.
He confirmed that a portion of the slashed funds was reallocated to the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Development Board to bolster grassroots medical services, emphasizing that the decision highlighted the legislature's commitment to oversight, transparency, and public accountability.
Tagged the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” the 2026 fiscal package totals ₦1,854,248,734,475.76—reflecting a 24.5 percent increase over the state's revised 2025 budget estimates. Fubara had formally laid the proposal before the state legislature in July.
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