Rivers Assembly Begins Review of Fubara’s N1.8tn 2026 Budget After Six-Week Delay

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Tuesday commenced consideration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s N1.8 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill, more than six weeks after it was presented to lawmakers.

The budget, submitted by the governor on July 10, received its second reading during plenary presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, marking a significant step toward its eventual passage.

The motion for the second reading was moved by the House Leader, Major Jack, who highlighted the revenue projections contained in the proposal. He expressed confidence that with legislative input, the budget would support development across the state.

During the debate, Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol described the spending plan, tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” as the largest budget proposal ever presented in Rivers State. He urged lawmakers to carefully scrutinise allocations to ensure public funds are directed toward projects that will benefit residents.

Several members who contributed to the debate also advocated the speedy passage of the appropriation bill to facilitate the implementation of government programmes and projects.

Speaking during the session, Speaker Amaewhule noted that the Assembly had spent the past weeks examining various components of the proposal through its committees. He stressed that the legislature would conduct detailed oversight and scrutiny to ensure accountability and proper utilisation of approved funds.

The Speaker further directed House committees to invite relevant ministries, departments and agencies for budget defence sessions as part of the review process.

Amaewhule also called for an assessment of non-governmental organisations and other institutions that have received financial support from the state government to ensure transparency in the use of public resources.

Following deliberations, the House adjourned plenary until September 3 to continue legislative activities related to the budget.

The commencement of the budget review raises expectations that the 2026 appropriation bill will soon progress through the remaining legislative stages before being transmitted for assent.