The Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced consideration of the state’s N1.8tn 2026 Appropriation Bill, about six weeks after Governor Siminalayi Fubara presented the proposal to the legislature.
The bill, presented by Fubara on July 10, passed its second reading during Tuesday’s plenary presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
The House Leader, Major Jack, moved the motion for the second reading, after which lawmakers debated the major provisions of the proposed budget.
Contributing to the debate, Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol described the proposal as ambitious and the largest budget ever proposed in Rivers State. He, however, urged lawmakers to scrutinise the allocations carefully to ensure that the funds would be applied to their intended purposes.
Other members who participated in the debate also appealed for the bill to be passed without further delay.
Amaewhule, who presided over the sitting, said the Assembly would examine non-governmental organisations and other institutions that had received financial assistance from the state government as part of its oversight responsibilities.
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The Speaker also said the various committees of the House would conduct further scrutiny of the proposed expenditure and revenue estimates.
According to a statement by his Media Adviser, Martins Wachukwu, the bill received its second reading at the 36th Legislative Sitting of the Fourth Session following extensive debate among lawmakers.
The statement said the appropriation bill, tagged ‘Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development’, had been under consideration by various House committees since its presentation, with members examining its different components.
Amaewhule said the Assembly would subject the proposal to detailed legislative scrutiny and oversight to ensure that funds eventually appropriated were judiciously utilised.
He directed the committees to invite ministries, departments and agencies under the legislative competence of the House to appear for budget defence sessions.
Earlier, Major Jack, while leading the debate, focused on the revenue framework of the proposed budget, arguing that appropriate legislative input would help the government achieve its development objectives.
The Assembly subsequently adjourned plenary until September 3.