The Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced detailed scrutiny of the proposed ₦1.854 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill, summoning Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to defend their estimates before the various committees of the House.
The Bill, christened the Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,”scaled second reading during the 36th Legislative sitting of the Fourth Session following an extensive debate by lawmakers on its major components.
After it scaled the second reading on Tuesday, the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, said the House had been examining the budget estimates since Governor Siminalayi Fubara presented the proposal about six weeks ago, noting that the exercise aimed to ensure effective legislative scrutiny and accountability in the management of public funds.
Amaewhule charged the various standing committees to invite all MDAs within the Assembly’s legislative competence to appear for budget defence and to thoroughly explain their proposed allocations.
He stressed that the legislature would not only scrutinise the figures but also exercise its oversight responsibility to ensure that funds eventually appropriated were deployed judiciously for the benefit of the people of Rivers State.
The Speaker maintained that the detailed committee review was necessary to strengthen the budget and align government spending with the development needs of the state.
Earlier, while leading the debate on the Bill, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Major Jack, focused on the revenue framework underpinning the proposal.
Jack stressed the importance of strengthening the revenue base of the state, saying that with proper legislative input and scrutiny, the 2026 budget could achieve its objective of promoting rapid development across Rivers State.
The Assembly thereafter committed the Appropriation Bill to the relevant committees for further consideration and budget defence by the MDAs.
The latest move signals the beginning of a comprehensive legislative review of the proposed ₦1.854 trillion spending plan before its eventual passage by the House.