The Rivers State House of Assembly Committee has passed the twenty twenty six budget of 1.84 trillion naira.
Christened, Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development, the budget has capital expenditure of 1.4 trillion naira, representing over 65% of the total budget.
The house however turned down the ₦6b proposed as a grant to PAMO Medical University as enshrined in the 2026 fiscal policy by the governor ,stating that request by the Rivers state governor Siminalayi Fubara, was not transparent enough.
The much awaited 2026 budget has finally been passed by the Rivers state house of assembly.
The house led by speaker Martin’s Amaewhule, expressed delight that after weeks of deliberation, Rivers state government now have a working document.
On the expenditure side, key sectors share the bulk of the 1.4 trillion naira ceiling: with the Economic Sector leading with 625.8 billion naira, followed by the Social Sector with 435.4 billion naira, Agriculture with 262 billion naira, and Law and Justice drawing 65 billion naira.
From the budget, the state government will source ₦936.052bn through proceeds from the Federation account, while ₦487.6bn will come from internally generated revenue .
Internal loans will account for ₦50bn, sale of assets will rake in ₦25bn leaving a deficit of ₦58bn.
The house committee on appropriations, made up of hon.Linda Stewart, Ofiks Kagbang, Enemi George, and Igwe Aforji, recommended the approval of 1.4 billion naira to rebuild the Primary Health Management Board facility on Accra Street but blocked the ₦6b naira as grant allocated to Pamo University of Medical Sciences.
The Lawmakers questioned the rationale behind channeling billions into a private business entity lacking clear public accountability.
The committee also made a clear stance that no further public funds will flow into the private venture until lawmakers and the public are thoroughly convinced of its value.
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Editor: Ada Ononye
