Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is expected to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly today, Friday, July 10, marking a major milestone in the state’s budget process.
The budget presentation follows the House’s approval of the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), a key fiscal document that provides the foundation for the preparation and consideration of the annual budget.
The approval of the MTEF effectively cleared a major procedural requirement, paving the way for the governor to formally lay the 2026 budget estimates before lawmakers after months of delays linked to the prolonged political tensions between the executive and legislative arms of government.
According to sources familiar with the process, Governor Fubara is expected to unveil an appropriation proposal that prioritises infrastructure development, human capital investment, healthcare, education, and economic diversification as part of efforts to sustain growth and improve service delivery across the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly, currently conducting legislative activities from its Quarters Auditorium pending the reconstruction of its main chamber, is expected to commence consideration of the budget immediately after its presentation.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, had earlier assured that lawmakers would give the appropriation bill expedited consideration in the interest of the state and its residents.
The expected presentation also signals continued efforts to strengthen cooperation between the executive and legislature following months of political disagreements that disrupted governance and delayed key fiscal processes in the state.
Details of the proposed budget size, sectoral allocations, projected revenue, and other fiscal priorities are expected to be unveiled during the governor’s presentation.
The budget proposal is likely to attract close attention from development partners, civil society organisations, the business community, and economic analysts, who will be watching the administration’s spending priorities and policy direction for the 2026 fiscal year.
