Rivers Assembly advances 2026 budget, seeks scrutiny of allocations

The Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced consideration of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, with the proposal scaling second reading on the floor of the House.

The motion for the second reading of the bill was moved by the House Leader, Major Jack, during plenary.

Leading the debate, the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, described the proposed budget as ambitious and the highest ever presented in the history of Rivers State.

Maol, however, urged members to carefully examine the various provisions of the bill to ensure that public funds are allocated and utilised for their intended purposes.

Other lawmakers who contributed to the debate also called for the speedy consideration and passage of the appropriation bill.

The Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, said the Assembly would also scrutinise non-governmental organisations and other institutions receiving funding or support from the Rivers State Government.

The House subsequently adjourned plenary until September 3.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara had presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Assembly on July 10.