The Rivers State House of Assembly has committed the 2026 Appropriation Bill to relevant committees for further consideration, pledging thorough legislative scrutiny to ensure the effective and judicious utilisation of funds appropriated in the budget.
The Bill scaled Second Reading during the 36th Legislative Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Assembly on Tuesday, following extensive debate by members on its major components.
Speaking on the Appropriation Bill, christened the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, recalled that Governor Siminalayi Fubara presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Assembly about six weeks ago.
Amaewhule noted that since the presentation of the budget estimate, various committees of the House had been examining and analysing its different components.
He assured that the Assembly would subject the budget to detailed legislative scrutiny and oversight to ensure that funds appropriated are properly and judiciously utilised for the benefit of the people of Rivers State.
The Speaker also directed the various House committees to ensure that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) within the legislative competence of the Assembly are invited to participate in the budget defence sessions.
Earlier, leading the debate on the Bill, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Major Jack, highlighted the importance of the revenue framework contained in the budget estimate.
He expressed optimism that with proper legislative input and oversight, the 2026 Appropriation Bill would live up to its theme and accelerate growth and development across Rivers State.
The House subsequently committed the Bill to the relevant committees for further legislative consideration.
