Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has presented a N1.854 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly for consideration and approval, outlining an ambitious spending plan aimed at accelerating development and improving residents’ welfare.

The proposed budget, christened “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” is 24.49 per cent higher than the 2025 appropriation.

Presenting the estimates to lawmakers on Friday, the governor attributed the increase to improved inflows from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and sustained economic growth in the state.

According to the proposal, the state projects N487.6 billion in internally generated revenue, about N936 billion from FAAC allocations, and approximately N382.4 billion in capital receipts.

On the expenditure side, the budget earmarks N413.1 billion for recurrent spending, including N154.7 billion for personnel costs, N15.2 billion for new recruitment, N36.7 billion for the overhead costs of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), N20 billion each for gratuities and monthly pensions, and N5 billion for insurance.

Governor Fubara also announced a 50 per cent increase in overhead allocations to MDAs, saying the measure is intended to cushion rising operational costs and facilitate the clearance of outstanding salary arrears owed to civil servants.

The governor said the 2026 budget reflects his administration’s fiscal priorities and development agenda, with a strong focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic growth and the overall welfare of the people of Rivers State.

The appropriation bill will now be considered by the Rivers State House of Assembly before its expected passage and assent.