Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has signed the N1.85 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, describing the development as the beginning of a new phase of cooperation and progress in the state.
The budget, titled the Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development, had earlier been passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly after committee review and legislative debate.
At the signing ceremony in Government House, Port Harcourt, Fubara thanked lawmakers and other stakeholders for completing the process.
He described the passage of the budget as a “breath of fresh air” and said his administration intended to focus implementation on the welfare and development of Rivers people.
The governor reaffirmed his Rivers First agenda and pledged a more cooperative relationship with the legislature and other political stakeholders.
Fubara also acknowledged the role of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike in facilitating the political process that culminated in passage of the budget.
The reference is significant given the prolonged political crisis that had previously strained relations among major political actors in Rivers State.
House Majority Leader Major Jack said lawmakers passed the budget with the expectation that it would be implemented in the public interest.
Speaker Martin Amaewhule said provisions in the appropriation bill suggested that the administration was prepared to move forward with development programs.
The signing provides the legal framework for state spending in 2026 and is also being presented by political actors as a signal of improved relations between the executive and legislature.
The effectiveness of the budget will ultimately depend on revenue performance, project execution and the durability of the political cooperation now being emphasized.
