News
Rivers Governor Unveils N1.85tn Budget with Major Focus on Infrastructure
By Favour Bibaikefie
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has presented a proposed budget of N1.854 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year, with more than N1.4 trillion allocated to capital projects aimed at driving infrastructure development and improving public services across the state.
The appropriation bill, titled “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” was laid before the Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday. It proposes a total expenditure of N1.854 trillion, comprising N413.1 billion for recurrent spending and N1.405 trillion for capital investments.
The proposal follows the Assembly’s recent approval of the state’s 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which outlines the government’s fiscal direction over the next three years.
According to the governor, the economic sector will receive the largest share of capital spending with N625.85 billion, while N435.41 billion is earmarked for the social sector. The administration sector is expected to receive N278.75 billion, with N65.26 billion allocated to law and justice.
Among key sectors, works and infrastructure will receive N533.32 billion, education has been allocated N315 billion, and healthcare will get N105.43 billion. Additional allocations include N19.26 billion for agriculture, N15 billion for power, N8.5 billion for chieftaincy and community development, N7.98 billion for sports, N7 billion for youth development, N6.61 billion for environment and sustainable development, and N6.5 billion for women affairs. The Rivers State House of Assembly and the judiciary are proposed to receive N41.44 billion and N30 billion, respectively.
For recurrent expenditure, the government has proposed N154.77 billion for personnel costs, N15.22 billion for new recruitment, N55.1 billion for pensions, N20 billion each for gratuities and legacy pension obligations, N7 billion for death benefits, and N36.71 billion for overhead expenses across ministries, departments and agencies. The budget also provides funding for grants, subsidies, and debt servicing obligations.
Fubara explained that the spending plan will be financed through N487.61 billion in internally generated revenue, N936.05 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), N48.11 billion from opening and closing balances, and N382.48 billion from capital receipts, including loans, grants and asset sales.
He noted that the projected revenue represents a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget, attributing the anticipated growth to stronger FAAC inflows, improved internally generated revenue and higher derivation earnings.
The governor also disclosed plans to increase overhead allocations to government agencies by 50 per cent to improve service delivery. He added that provisions had been made to settle outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants.
Fubara described the proposal as a people-focused budget designed to accelerate economic growth, expand infrastructure, strengthen social services and improve living standards. He urged lawmakers to give the appropriation bill speedy consideration and approval, assuring residents that the administration would implement the budget with transparency and accountability once passed into law.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
A group of stakeholders in Warri has announced its decision to withdraw support for the incumbent member representing the Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, while explaining its position, cited what it described as dissatisfaction with the lawmaker’s performance and representation of the constituency.
The stakeholders subsequently declared their support for Comrade Jude Ukori Mulade as their preferred candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
According to the group, its decision followed concerns over the level of representation and development delivered to the constituency under the current administration.
The stakeholders said they were seeking a representative who would be more responsive to the needs of the people and more committed to advancing issues affecting residents across the constituency.
They urged other political stakeholders and eligible voters in Warri to consider Mulade’s candidacy as the 2027 elections approach.
The group’s endorsement adds to the growing political activities and realignments expected to shape the contest for the Warri Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ereyitomi, who currently represents the constituency in the House of Representatives, has yet to publicly respond to the allegations contained in the group’s statement.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
Residents and road users along the Warri Airport Road, particularly the section near Federal Government College in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, have continued to contend with recurring flooding despite years of road construction and rehabilitation efforts.
The affected stretch is frequently submerged following heavy rainfall, with inadequate drainage identified as a major factor contributing to the persistent flooding.
The recurring situation has raised concerns among motorists, residents and other road users, who say the condition of the road continues to disrupt movement and create difficulties for commuters whenever there is significant rainfall.
The development has also renewed calls for attention to the drainage system along the route, with residents hoping that a lasting solution will be implemented to prevent the road from repeatedly becoming flooded.
By staff Reporter: Rukevwe Odeh
A heavy downpour has left the popular NNPC Housing Complex Road, also known as Ekpan Link Road, submerged in floodwater in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The rainfall caused significant water accumulation along the busy road, affecting movement and creating difficulties for motorists and other road users.
The condition of the road has renewed concerns over flooding and drainage challenges in the area, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Residents and commuters are expected to exercise caution while using the affected route as efforts to manage the situation continue.
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