The Rivers Forward Initiative (RFI) has called for stronger collaboration between the Rivers State Government and professionals, technocrats, industry players, academics and other critical stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the state’s ₦1.84 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill.
The initiative made the call in a statement titled “From Appropriation to Development: The Role of Professionals”, signed by its Convener and Director-General, Prof. A.F. Wali.
RFI described the signing of the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law as an important transition from budgetary planning to actual implementation, stressing that the success of the budget should ultimately be measured by its impact on the lives and livelihoods of Rivers State residents.
According to the initiative, with ₦1.84 trillion appropriated and a substantial portion of the budget allocated to capital projects in sectors including infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and power, the central issue before the state is no longer merely what has been appropriated, but how effectively the provisions will be converted into tangible and measurable development.
RFI commended the Rivers State Legislature and Executive for completing the appropriation process and achieving the signing of the 2026 budget into law.
However, it emphasised that successful implementation should not be regarded as the sole responsibility of government, arguing that the process requires the knowledge, competence, enterprise and institutional capacity available within the state’s professional and technical communities.
The initiative called for a stronger interface between government and professionals, as well as industry stakeholders, academic institutions, technocrats and other relevant sectors of society.
It said such collaboration would help ensure that the resources provided under the 2026 budget are deployed efficiently and translated into social, economic and physical value for the people of Rivers State.
“RFI, therefore, welcomes the commencement of implementation of the 2026 budget and calls for a stronger interface between government, professionals, industry players, academia and other critical stakeholders in ensuring that the budget truly creates social, economic and physical values for Rivers people,” the statement said.
The initiative further stressed the importance of professional capacity and constructive participation in achieving developmental governance, urging qualified citizens and institutions to contribute their expertise towards the effective execution of government policies and projects.
RFI said its position was anchored on the belief that sustainable development requires more than budgetary allocations, but also competent implementation, effective oversight, technical expertise and broad stakeholder participation.
The initiative reiterated its commitment to promoting “Professional Capacity, Constructive Participation and Developmental Governance” as essential components of advancing the socio-economic development of Rivers State.
Leave a comment