By George Mgbeleke

Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara on Friday, presented the 2026 Budget estimates of One Trillion, Eight Hundred and Fifty-four Billion, Two Hundred and Forty-eight Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty-four Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy-five Naira, Seventy-six Kobo (N1,854,248,734,475.76) only.

The budget, titled “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development”, Governor Fubara said, is the result of considerable public participation in a shared vision for building an economically resilient, thriving, and prosperous Rivers State.

According to him, the proposal has a capital expenditure component of One Trillion, Four Hundred and Five Billion, Two Hundred and Seventy Million, Eight Hundred and Seventeen Thousand, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Nine Naira, thirty-six kobo (N1,405,270,817,869.36) only.

Similarly, the sum of Four Hundred and Thirteen Billion, One Hundred and Nine Million, Three Hundred and Ninety-six Thousand, Seven Hundred and Five Naira, Seventy Kobo (N413,109, 396,705.70) only has been allocated to Recurrent Expenditure.

The Governor while laying the budget estimates before the Rivers State House of Assembly in Port Harcourt, said the proposed total operating revenue for 2026 is projected to increase by 24.49 per cent over the 2025 adjusted budget projections, due to possible increases in returns from FAAC, Derivation funds, and internally generated revenue, as the national economic outlook continues to show positive growth.

Governor Fubara says that in addition to aligning with the state’s fiscal realities, the 2026 budget prioritises the core objectives of building a secure, prosperous, and resilient State characterised by inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, and improved standards of living for all.

According to him, the primary priorities for the 2026 financial year include economic growth, human capital development, socio-economic infrastructure, and social investments.

He noted that despite the challenges his administration had faced, the machinery of governance has continued to function seamlessly and the State has made significant progress in key sectors such as road infrastructure, human capital development, as well as in the security of lives and property.

“Most significantly, our State has remained fiscally stable, thanks to our commitment to fiscal responsibility, prudence, and accountability in managing public funds.

“We do not tolerate mismanagement at any level and have wisely utilised public funds to provide services, attract investment, create jobs, and offer socio-economic opportunities for our people,” he said.

Some of the key sectoral allocations include: Works and Infrastructure – N533, 321,002,523,22; Educational Development -N315,000,000,000; Healthcare Delivery- N105, 429,927,122.82; Power – N15, 000,000,000.00; Agriculture – N19, 258,772,080.79; Sports -7,975,000,000.00 and Youths Development- N7,000,000,000.00. Others include the Rivers State House of Assembly- N41, 439,535,629.10; Rivers State Judiciary-N30, 000,000,000.00; Women Affairs- N6, 503,645,900.5; Chieftaincy and Community Development- N8, 501,000,000.00 and Environmental and Sustainable Development – N6, 605,571,177.59.

The 2026 budget proposal, Governor Fubara said, reflects the needs and aspirations of the people – a budget that will deliver for all residents of Rivers State.

“At the core of this budget is our commitment to infrastructure development – including new investments, the completion of ongoing road projects, and the maintenance of existing roads and bridges.

“We have also allocated an exceptionally large budget to education, aiming to reshape the future of our State’s education systems to achieve better outcomes.

“Mr Speaker, the 2026 budget is not just about allocating funds to specific socio-economic sectors. Instead, it is a people-centred budget that acts as a blueprint for progress and service delivery, outlining a vision for a better future. It will bring tangible benefits to every ward, local government area, and resident.

“As a government, we remain committed to getting the essentials right and building a state where all residents, regardless of background, receive the services they deserve.

“We will ensure every kobo is spent wisely to deliver services, attract investment, create jobs, and provide opportunities for our people to flourish,” he said.

Governor Fubara urged all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, regardless of political affiliation, to support and approve the budget in the spirit of the shared responsibility to accelerate development and recover as much lost ground as possible.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Acting Amayanabo of Okpoama Kingdom in Brass Council Area, High Chief Nathan Egba-Dienegha has called on Government at all levels to join hands with Development partners to grow the multibillion naira blue economy in the Niger Delta region for the benefit of the people.

Chief Dienagha stated this during a sensitisation programme tagged Empowering Women through Blue Economy with focus on leadership, sustainability and economic inclusion held in Okpoama-Brass, Bayelsa State and organized by African Maritime Environment Susttainability Initiative and Urgent Action Fund Africa.

Chief Dienagha who was represented by the Amayanabo of Isele-ama, His Royal Highness, Boute Levi Felagha said the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy should undertake the rolling out of policies and programmes that would provide livelihood for women and youths.

Earlier, the Founder and President of the African Maritime Environment Susttainability Initiative, Dr Felicia Mogo who spoke through Zoom said this phase of the initiative was an intervention to strengthen the involvement of women in coastal communities in Blue Economy with initial focus on the Niger Delta.

Dr Mogo expressed delight at level enthusiasm shown by the women and urged them to form co-operatives to advance their involvement in blue economy, adding that she would work with them to improve their livelihood.

In his presentation, the facilitator of the programme, Tarinyo Akono urged the women to promote the sustainability of the marine ecosystem while harnessing the resources of the of the sea.

He said using chemicals, dynamites and dumping of refuse in the rivers does not promote sustainability and called on the leadership of the various communities to provide a refuse dumping sites.

Akono noted that Brass is a major fishing hub that deserves the attention of the Federal and State Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, adding that experts should be contacted to fashion out programmes and projects to advance the sector.

In their remarks, the Women Leader of Okpoama Kingdom, Madam Obibinate Ikaye and the Secretary of the CDC, Inko Tariworio thanked the African Maritime Environment Susttainability Initiative for the sensitisation programme.

By Our Lagos Correspondent

Disturbed incessant demolition of markets in Lagos state, President of Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Association, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, has raised alarm over the increasing demolition of shops in Lagos markets, and what he described as systemic challenges affecting traders, particularly those of South-East extraction.

Reacting to the ugly incident while fielding questions from Journalists,Ukatu, traced his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leading figure representing over 58 major market associations in Lagos.

He dismissed claims that demolitions in Lagos are targeted solely at Igbo traders, stressing that such assertions may be misleading.

“I will be wrong to categorize demolitions as targeting Igbo-owned shops. These demolitions occur in markets where different ethnic groups operate, even though Igbos are in the majority,” he said.
However, he questioned the government’s approach, accusing authorities of failing to follow due process.

“Many of these buildings have existed for years with approvals. Why demolish them now without proper notice or differentiation between those who complied with regulations and those who did not?” he queried.

He cited a past incident at Alaba Market, where investigations revealed that while some traders had valid approvals, others did not—yet demolitions were carried out indiscriminately.

“This lack of proper engagement fuels suspicion and public outcry,” he added.

Katu also challenged the widespread notion of “Igbo markets” in Lagos.
“There is nothing like an Igbo market. What we have are markets where Igbos are the majority. Other ethnic groups are also present,” he clarified.

He noted that his association coordinates major markets across Lagos, including areas such as Alaba, Lagos Island, and Tejuosho.

Describing his role as demanding, Ukatu said leading traders requires humility and patience.

“We are naturally independent-minded people. You don’t control traders; you guide them. The challenges are enormous,” he said.

He admitted that traders themselves sometimes contribute to their problems.

“Non-compliance and lack of patience often give government the opportunity to act against us. Many traders are also ignorant of policies and procedures,” he noted.

Katu strongly criticized the government for neglecting market infrastructure despite collecting revenue from traders.

“Go to the Trade Fair complex, the roads are terrible, there is no potable water, no proper toilets, no hospitals.
Yet, government agencies are busy collecting revenue,” he said.

He argued that traders largely develop markets themselves, while authorities fail to provide basic amenities.

“If we pay taxes, we should see the dividends; good roads, security, water, and a conducive business environment,” he stressed.

On why many South-East traders prefer Lagos over investing in their home region, Katu blamed lack of infrastructure and poor policy implementation.

“The seaport is in Lagos. That is why we are here. If the South-East had functional ports and infrastructure, many traders would relocate,” he said.

He criticized the development of certain markets in the South-East, such as the proposed international market, stating that stakeholders were not consulted.

“You cannot build a market without involving traders. That is why such projects fail,” he explained.

Ukatu also pointed to insecurity, multiple taxation, and poor road networks as deterrents to investment in the region.

He urged both federal and state governments to create an enabling environment for businesses.

“Provide infrastructure, reduce port charges, ensure policy consistency, and stop exploiting traders. That is how to grow the economy,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Ukatu advised traders to focus on leadership that prioritizes economic growth.

“As an association, we are apolitical, but we support any government that promotes the welfare of traders and makes business easier,” he said.

He encouraged traders to make informed decisions.
“Think about your business and your future. Support leaders who will create opportunities, reduce costs, and provide an enabling environment,” he noted.