Obio-Akpor Council chairman presents N16.7 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr. Gift Worlu, has presented N16.7billion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Legislative Council. He tagged his
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr. Gift Worlu, has presented N16.7billion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Legislative Council.
He tagged his 2026 proposed budget as the ‘Appropriation Bill of Unity, Growth and Inclusive Development.’
During the presentation at the legislative chambers, the legislators passed a vote of confidence in the chairman, recognising his developmental strides across the council.
Worlu said the bill was borne out of careful planning, fiscal discipline and a clear understanding of the developmental priorities of the council.
Advertisement
300x250
He said: “The total size of the 2026 Appropriation Bill stands at N16,705,895,972.50, with provisions carefully structured to sustain governance, while accelerating development across the local government.
“A total recurrent expenditure of N9,472,496,823.04 is proposed to cover personnel costs and essential overheads necessary for effective service delivery. In addition, N4,950,000,000.00 is earmarked for capital expenditure dedicated to critical infrastructure projects and developmental initiatives.
“The sum of N2,083,479,555.20 is provided for statutory transfers, while N199,919,594.26 is projected for the reserve fund, in line with the council’s commitment to financial discipline.”
The chairman in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Good luck Nsirim, said the projected revenue for the 2026 fiscal year would come from FAAC’s Statutory Allocation, N4,888,548,658.01; Value Added Tax (VAT), N9,644,823,400.86; Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), N1,421,700,000.00; and other statutory revenues of N750,823,913.63.
He said the projections were based on conservative and achievable assumptions, adding that the council was transitioning from manual and cash-based systems to technology-driven platforms through electronic billing, digital payment channels and centralised revenue monitoring.
Advertisement
300x250
He said such technological reforms were aimed at enhancing transparency, blocking leakages, improving accountability and expanding internally generated revenue base, while building public trust and aligning Obio/Akpor with best practices of modern urban governance.
Read Also: Peak Milk celebrates Ramadan by spreading goodness across Nigeria
On the expenditure, the chairman said N4,753,512,140.64 was allocated for personnel costs; N4,718,984,682.40 for overhead costs; N4,950,000,000.00 for capital expenditure; N2,083,479,555.20 for statutory transfers, and N199,919,594.26 as surplus for the reserve fund.
Highlighting the focus on capital development, Worlu said the projects contained in the Appropriation Bill were outcomes of structured consultations, ward engagements and interactions with community stakeholders under the Obalga Arise Agenda.
The Leader of the 10th Obio/Akpor Legislative Council, Rex-Milia Buchi, said the Appropriation Bill would be scrutinised to ensure it aligned with the needs and aspirations of the people. He promised speedy passage.
The Deputy Leader of the House, Stephen Chinda, moved a motion for a vote of confidence in the chairman, citing his remarkable developmental strides and leadership qualities.
The motion was seconded by the councillor representing Ward 1, Michael Azuonwu Uche, and was unanimously adopted by the House.
