The Rivers State House of Assembly has committed the 2026 Appropriation Bill to its various committees for detailed scrutiny following its passage for second reading during the 36th Legislative Sitting of the Fourth Session, held on Tuesday September 1, 2026.
The lawmakers engaged in a robust debate on the major components of the proposed budget, christened “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development.”
Speaking on the Bill, the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, recalled that Governor Siminalayi Fubara presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Assembly about six weeks ago.
He said since its presentation, various committees of the House had been examining the different components of the budget estimates.
According to him, the Assembly would undertake detailed legislative scrutiny and oversight of the budget to ensure that funds appropriated are judiciously utilised.
Amaewhule urged the various committees to ensure that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) under the legislative competence of the House are invited to appear for budget defence sessions.
The Speaker said the exercise was necessary to enable the lawmakers properly examine the proposals and ensure that the budget delivers on its objectives.
Earlier, while leading the debate following the second reading of the Bill, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, emphasised the importance of the revenue framework of the proposed budget.
He stressed that with proper legislative input, the 2026 Appropriation Bill, christened “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” would engender speedy development across the state.
The Bill will now undergo further consideration by the relevant committees of the House as part of the legislative process.
