The Rivers State House of Assembly has passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill, tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” for second reading and referred it to relevant committees for detailed scrutiny.
The Bill was considered during the House’s 36th Legislative Sitting of the Fourth Session on Tuesday, following extensive debate by lawmakers on its major components.
Speaking on the budget, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, recalled that Governor Siminalayi Fubara presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the House about six weeks ago.
Amaewhule said the various committees had since been examining different aspects of the budget estimates, assuring that the House would conduct thorough legislative scrutiny and oversight to ensure that appropriated funds were judiciously utilised.
He directed the committees to invite all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) under the legislative competence of the House to appear for budget defence sessions.
Earlier, the Majority Leader, Hon. Major Jack, who led the debate on the Bill, emphasised the importance of its revenue framework, saying appropriate legislative input would help facilitate rapid development across the state.
The House is expected to commence detailed consideration of the budget estimates following the referral to the relevant committees.
