Rivers EXCO Approves N1.85trn 2026 Budget Proposal

The Rivers State Executive Council has approved a proposed N1.85 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, describing it as a roadmap for recovery, stability and long-term development across the state.

The approval was granted on Friday, January 2, 2026, during the first EXCO meeting of the year held at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt.

The meeting was presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, with the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, in attendance.

Addressing journalists after the session, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Matters and Social Development, Prof. Peter Medee, announced that the council endorsed a total budget size of N1,854,248,734,475.76 for the 2026 fiscal year.

“We are here to say that the State Executive Council has graciously approved the aggregate sum for the provision of goods and services of Rivers State for the year 2026 in the figure of N1,854,248,734,475.76,” Medee said.

He explained that the budget proposal was carefully designed to align with the administration’s development agenda while addressing ongoing projects and outstanding financial commitments.

“The main thrust of the year 2026 proposed estimate has been fashioned to enable the State accomplish and conclude ongoing projects as well as clear our outstanding obligations in key critical sectors,” he stated.

According to Medee, key priority sectors captured in the budget include infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, human capital development, youth empowerment, culture, tourism, and information and communications technology.

He further disclosed that the council approved the theme of the 2026 appropriation bill, noting that it reflects the government’s determination to sustain progress despite prevailing challenges.

“It is against this backdrop that the State Executive Council has respectfully approved and considered that the budget theme for 2026 is the Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” he said.

“This is because, in spite of many challenges, the State Government has remained resilient, dogged and focused, and achieving key targets as part of our commitment to the people of Rivers State,” Medee added.

Also briefing the media, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, said the budget proposal underwent extensive scrutiny before the final figure was approved.

“As you are aware, we just finished our EXCO meeting which basically looked at the proposal for the 2026 budget,” he said.

Sirawoo noted that the size of the budget reflects the administration’s resolve to reposition the state and recover lost momentum.

“The Governor Siminalayi Fubara administration is determined to bridge the lost grounds. Upon that reason, a very robust budget figure has been arrived at after very conscious deliberations to put our State where it needs to be,” he stated.

He added that the government’s budgeting approach is focused on prudent spending, accountability and improving the living conditions of Rivers residents.

The briefing was also attended by the Special Adviser on Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank Fubara.