DEVELOPMENT
Rivers Executive Council Approves ₦1.8 Trillion 2026 Budget, Unveils “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development” to Drive Recovery and Consolidation
The Rivers State Executive Council has approved a ₦1.8 trillion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year, marking a significant step by the Siminalayi Fubara administration to deepen governance reforms and accelerate development across the state.
The approval was granted at the State Executive Council meeting held on Friday evening, following extensive deliberations on the economic realities confronting the state and the urgent need to consolidate ongoing developmental efforts.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the newly sworn-in Special Adviser to Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Economic Matters and Social Development, Prof. Peter Medee, explained that the 2026 budget was strategically crafted to enable the state government complete existing projects while advancing new initiatives in key sectors critical to the wellbeing of Rivers people.
According to Medee, the proposed financial plan has been christened the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” reflecting the administration’s resolve to remain focused on governance despite prevailing challenges.
He noted that the government remains unwavering in its commitment to meeting its developmental targets and fulfilling its obligations to citizens across the state.
He said, “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 such as infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, human capacity development, youth empowerment, culture, tourism, information and communications technology.
“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.
“This budget is so christened because the priority of the State Government for the year 2026 is for recovery, restoration, reassurance, consolidation and inclusivity.
“This is because in spite of many challenges, the State Government has remained resilient, dogged and focused, and achieving the key targets as our commitment to the people of Rivers State.”
The Special Adviser stressed that the budget reflects a balanced approach that prioritises both economic recovery and social development, with particular emphasis on sectors capable of stimulating growth, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life for residents.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, underscored the administration’s determination to reclaim lost opportunities and reposition Rivers State on a sustainable growth path.
He said, “As you are aware the Goveenor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration is determined to bridge the lost grounds, upon that reason a very robust budget figure has been arrived at after a very conscious deliberation to put our State where it needs to be.”
The approval of the ₦1.8 trillion 2026 budget proposal signals the Fubara administration’s intention to consolidate governance gains, restore public confidence, and deliver inclusive development that responds to the needs and aspirations of the 
people of Rivers State.