Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara on Friday, presented the 2026 Budget estimates of One Trillion, Eight Hundred and Fifty-four Billion, Two Hundred and Forty-eight Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty-four Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy-five Naira, Seventy-six Kobo (N1,854,248,734,475.76) only.

The budget, titled “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development”, Governor Fubara said, is the result of considerable public participation in a shared vision for building an economically resilient, thriving, and prosperous Rivers State.

According to him, the proposal has a capital expenditure component of One Trillion, Four Hundred and Five Billion, Two Hundred and Seventy Million, Eight Hundred and Seventeen Thousand, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Nine Naira, thirty-six kobo (N1,405,270,817,869.36) only.

Similarly, the sum of Four Hundred and Thirteen Billion, One Hundred and Nine Million, Three Hundred and Ninety-six Thousand, Seven Hundred and Five Naira, Seventy Kobo (N413,109, 396,705.70) only has been allocated to Recurrent Expenditure.

The Governor while laying the budget estimates before the Rivers State House of Assembly in Port Harcourt, said the proposed total operating revenue for 2026 is projected to increase by 24.49 per cent over the 2025 adjusted budget projections, due to possible increases in returns from FAAC, Derivation funds, and internally generated revenue, as the national economic outlook continues to show positive growth.

Governor Fubara says that in addition to aligning with the state’s fiscal realities, the 2026 budget prioritises the core objectives of building a secure, prosperous, and resilient State characterised by inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, and improved standards of living for all.

According to him, the primary priorities for the 2026 financial year include economic growth, human capital development, socio-economic infrastructure, and social investments.

He noted that despite the challenges his administration had faced, the machinery of governance has continued to function seamlessly and the State has made significant progress in key sectors such as road infrastructure, human capital development, as well as in the security of lives and property.

“Most significantly, our State has remained fiscally stable, thanks to our commitment to fiscal responsibility, prudence, and accountability in managing public funds.

“We do not tolerate mismanagement at any level and have wisely utilised public funds to provide services, attract investment, create jobs, and offer socio-economic opportunities for our people,” he said.

Some of the key sectoral allocations include: Works and Infrastructure – N533, 321,002,523,22; Educational Development -N315,000,000,000; Healthcare Delivery- N105,429,927,122.82; Power – N15,000,000,000.00; Agriculture – N19, 258,772,080.79; Sports N7,975,000,000.00 and Youths Development- N7,000,000,000.00. Others include the Rivers State House of Assembly- N41, 439,535,629.10; Rivers State Judiciary-N30, 000,000,000.00; Women Affairs- N6, 503,645,900.5; Chieftaincy and Community Development- N8, 501,000,000.00 and Environmental and Sustainable Development – N6, 605,571,177.59.

The 2026 budget proposal, Governor Fubara said, reflects the needs and aspirations of the people – a budget that will deliver for all residents of Rivers State.

“At the core of this budget is our commitment to infrastructure development – including new investments, the completion of ongoing road projects, and the maintenance of existing roads and bridges.

“We have also allocated an exceptionally large budget to education, aiming to reshape the future of our State’s education systems to achieve better outcomes.

“Mr Speaker, the 2026 budget is not just about allocating funds to specific socio-economic sectors. Instead, it is a people-centred budget that acts as a blueprint for progress and service delivery, outlining a vision for a better future. It will bring tangible benefits to every ward, local government area, and resident.

“As a government, we remain committed to getting the essentials right and building a state where all residents, regardless of background, receive the services they deserve.

“We will ensure every kobo is spent wisely to deliver services, attract investment, create jobs, and provide opportunities for our people to flourish,” he said.

Governor Fubara urged all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, regardless of political affiliation, to support and approve the budget in the spirit of the shared responsibility to accelerate development and recover as much lost ground as possible.