RIVERS ASSEMBLY BEGINS REVIEW OF FUBARA’S N1.8TN 2026 BUDGET

The Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced consideration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s N1.8tn 2026 Appropriation Bill, about six weeks after it was presented to the legislature.

The Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly gave the budget its second reading during plenary on Tuesday, following a motion moved by the House Leader, Major Jack.

Leading the debate, Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol described the proposal as ambitious and the largest budget ever presented in the state. He urged lawmakers to carefully scrutinise the allocations to ensure the funds were used for their intended purposes.

Other lawmakers called for the speedy passage of the bill, while Speaker Amaewhule said the House would conduct detailed legislative scrutiny and oversight of the proposed expenditure.

Amaewhule also directed the relevant committees to invite ministries, departments and agencies under the Assembly’s jurisdiction for budget defence. He said the House would also examine non-governmental organisations and other institutions that received funding or support from the state government.

The budget, tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” was presented by Fubara on July 10.

The Assembly adjourned plenary until September 3.