Governor Fubara Signs 2026 Budget into Law in Rivers State

On September 3, 2023, Governor Siminalayi Fubara signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt. He described the budget, tagged the "Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development," as a "breath of fresh air," with a fiscal estimate of N1,854,248,734,475.76 presented to the Rivers State House of Assembly in July.

Following the signing, Fubara expressed his administration's commitment to the development of Rivers State and a cooperative relationship with the House of Assembly. House Majority Leader Major Jack characterized the budget as ambitious, noting that the Assembly had scrutinized the estimates for meaningful growth.

Speaker Martin Amaewhule revealed that the Assembly did not approve the budget as originally submitted, reducing the allocation for PAMO University of Sciences due to unsatisfactory explanations regarding previous fund usage. The reallocated funds were redirected to the State Primary Healthcare Development Board, emphasizing the legislature's oversight role in ensuring accountability.