Fubara's N1.85tn Budget Stalled by Assembly Disagreements

The 2026 Appropriation Bill, amounting to N1.854 trillion and titled the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” was submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the Rivers State House of Assembly on July 10, 2026. A month later, the bill has not been passed, primarily due to fresh agreements between the Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and the governor.

Concerns have arisen regarding the late presentation of the budget, attributed to a political crisis in the state. Criticism has also emerged over the proposed N41.4 billion allocation to the House of Assembly, with stakeholders divided on its necessity.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor, indicated that Fubara has not fulfilled many agreements with the Assembly, including funding for the State Assembly Service Commission. Wike stated that while the budget will eventually be passed, the governor's failure to meet obligations has contributed to the delay.