In a bold move to drive economic development, Rivers State has approved its 2026 fiscal budget, signaling a commitment to transformative progress despite ongoing administrative challenges.

The state's Executive Council greenlit a comprehensive ₦1,854,248,734,475.76 budget during a critical Friday evening meeting, strategically dubbed the "Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development".

Professor Peter Medee, the newly sworn-in Special Adviser on Economic Matters and Social Development, highlighted the budget's primary objective: completing and advancing key projects across critical state sectors. Accompanying Medee at the press briefing were Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, and Frank Fubara, the new Special Adviser on Finance.

The budget approval comes amidst a complex political landscape, with Governor Fubara having recently emerged from a six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu. The state House of Assembly has raised concerns about financial transparency, specifically accusing the governor of drawing from consolidated revenue accounts without proper legislative approval.

Despite these tensions, state leadership remains resolute. "We are committed to meeting our development targets for the people of Rivers State," Medee emphasized, underscoring the government's determination to push forward meaningful progress.

During their first post-emergency rule session, Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule requested that Governor Fubara present the 2025 budget and submit commissioner nominees for screening—a procedural step toward establishing collaborative governance.

The ambitious budget represents more than just financial figures; it embodies Rivers State's vision for sustainable growth, strategic infrastructure development, and economic resilience in the face of challenging circumstances.