Tinubu Submits N1.481 Trillion 2025 Rivers State Budget To National Assembly.
President Bola Tinubu has formally presented a N1.481 trillion budget proposal for Rivers State for the 2025 fiscal year to the National Assembly, marking a significant step in addressing the state’s financial and administrative challenges amid ongoing political turmoil. The announcement was made during Thursday’s plenary session, with the proposal read by Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The budget, necessitated by the Supreme Court’s nullification of the state’s previous 2025 budget and the ongoing state of emergency in Rivers, allocates substantial funds to key sectors. According to President Tinubu, N324 billion is earmarked for infrastructure development, N166 billion for healthcare, N75.6 billion for education, and N31.4 billion for agriculture, with an additional N5 billion dedicated to providing free drugs to residents across all categories. The agricultural investment is projected to generate approximately 6,000 jobs, offering a boost to the state’s economy.
The move follows President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers on 18 March 2025, prompted by a protracted political crisis and incidents of vandalism targeting oil installations. The crisis led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Retd), a former Chief of Naval Staff, was appointed as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s governance.
With the Rivers State Assembly currently non-functional, the National Assembly has assumed legislative responsibilities for the state, as stipulated by the 1999 Constitution. President Tinubu has urged lawmakers to expedite the consideration and passage of the budget to ensure the welfare of Rivers State residents and maintain economic stability.
The budget proposal aligns with earlier statements from Sole Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas, who, in April 2025, emphasised a focus on education, healthcare, social services, and infrastructure. “We are committed to a transparent and inclusive budgetary process that prioritises the needs of the people,” Ibas had stated during a meeting with the Rivers caucus in the National Assembly.
The submission has been broadly welcomed, though some stakeholders have called for careful scrutiny to ensure the funds are allocated effectively. The Senate has referred the proposal to its Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers State for further review, with a directive to report back promptly.
As Rivers State navigates its political challenges, this budget represents a critical step towards restoring stability and fostering development. President Tinubu’s swift action has been praised by some as a demonstration of decisive leadership, with hopes that the National Assembly’s approval will pave the way for meaningful progress in the state.